Talks underway: Man City ready to submit offer to sign “amazing” player alongside Paqueta

Manchester City have agreed personal terms on a contract with Rennes winger Jeremy Doku as they look to sign him, but West Ham United are trying to hijack the deal.

Pep Guardiola is looking to strengthen his attacking options during the closing weeks of the summer transfer window, with Riyad Mahrez still to be replaced at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City scouts were reportedly in attendance for Stade Rennais’ weekend win over Metz in France, as the club consider a move for forward Jeremy Doku.

The 21-year-old, dubbed “The Belgian Flash” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also lauded him as “simply amazing” was directly involved in 11 goals in 35 appearances last season.

Doku’s future may be up in the air, but he still found time to score his first league goal of the season at the weekend against FC Metz.

ESPN report that talks regarding a possible deal are ongoing, however a gap exists in the club’s valuation of the player, with Rennes wanting over £45 million.

Doku is ‘high’ on the Blues’ list of targets to replace Mahrez, but a ‘concrete offer’ is yet to be submitted, according to an HLN report.

Posting on social media, journalist Sacha Tavolieri said: “EXCL. Jeremy Doku AGREED on 5 years deal on personal terms with Man City! The Belgian winger already spoke to Pep Guardiola.

“First written official offer to be submitted at Stade Rennais this week. The French club ask minimum 55M€ [£47.2m].

Manchester City will now open talks with Rennes to find an agreement on a fee and Doku wants the move.

However, the Cityzens will need to hold off a late push from West Ham to sign Doku.

As per the Journalist, West Ham United are also on the race and currently in talks with Rennes officials with a bigger offer but Jeremy Doku ONLY wants Manchester City.

🚨🔵🤝 EXCL. Jeremy Doku AGREED on 5 years deal on personal terms with Man City !
✅🗣️ The Belgian winger already spoke to Pep Guardiola.
🇫🇷⚫️🔴 First written official offer to be submitted at Stade Rennais this week. The French club ask minimum 55M€.
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 West Ham United also… pic.twitter.com/QEVhcMh4x8

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 15, 2023

It will be hard for the Hammers to convince a player that a move to the London Stadium is more exciting than joining the treble winners.

Manchester City remain keen on West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta and are expected to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer having seen their opening £70m proposal rejected at the London Stadium.