Manchester City made ‘official enquiry’ to club after Paqueta failure – Player had no interest in joining Guardiola

Last summer, Manchester City were keen on signing West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta.

The Premier League winners weren’t able to get the deal over the line and had then shifted their focus on Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella.

That’s according to today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, who now reveal the approach made by Manchester City for the midfielder.

It’s claimed Pep Guardiola’s side made an ‘official enquiry’ for the 27-year-old in the last week of the summer transfer window.

The Citizens were left disappointed because both the Serie A side and the Italy international turned them down. Therefore, no negotiations took place between any party.

Gazzetta say Barella has clear ideas for his future and they appear to entirely revolve around continuing at the San Siro.

His current deal lasts until 2026 and Calciomercato state the player could renew it until 2029.

It’s said the Italian currently earns €4.5m [likely net] per year and the new deal could see his salary rise to €7m including bonuses.

Barella and Lautaro Martinez are the two key players at Inter these days, which is why the Serie A side are working on extending their contracts.