West Ham United could make a move for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, according to a report from The Sun. 

The Hammers could replace the potentially outgoing Lucas Paqueta with Manchester City’s James McAtee this winter. The 22-year-old is reportedly their top target if Paqueta was to depart in the January transfer window.

After an abysmal start to the season, most probably largely down to the ongoing betting investigation, Paqueta could be on his way out of East London. The Brazilian star is wanted back home by Botafogo and may be sold if the right deal comes in.

West Ham reportedly see McAtee as Paqueta’s successor. Due to the amount of talent at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, the midfielder dubbed the ‘Salford Silva’ has managed just five appearances in all competitions this season. He has managed to score a goal in his limited minutes this season, he rounded up the scoring in a 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.

McAtee is a high-energy midfielder, and much like Paqueta, likes to dribble and create chances with through balls. He could be the perfect type of player and profile of player the Hammers need to get their midfield firing again after a very disappointing start to the season.