West Ham decide on Paqueta replacement with ‘next David Silva’ in £20m transfer

WEST HAM are keen to sign Manchester City's forgotten man James McAtee as they fear losing Lucas Paqueta.

The attacking midfielder will be their main target for the role which could be available in January.

Brazilian star Paqueta is wanted by Botafogo and could be sold if the right deal comes through.

And West Ham are eyeing McAtee as his successor, with the City team man dubbed the 'Salford Silva' because he is similar in style and imagination to Etihad legend David Silva.

McAtee, 22, had two successful campaigns on loan at Sheffield United but is not going anywhere, stuck on the bench at City.

The time may be right for a permanent move and Hammers should have no problem paying a fee of £20 million or more.

City were linked with Paqueta last season and withdrew when a gambling investigation came to light.

They may be interested again, but an outright deal for McAtee is more likely than any trade.

McAtee has made five first-team appearances for City this season.

He started both Carabao Cup matches, including the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.

The midfielder also scored his first City goal during the 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.

McAtee was an unused substitute in 10 of City's 11 Prem games this season, but made only a brief cameo against Ipswich in August.