Because of three yellow cards, Manchester City will lose another star player they are targeting

However, when the summer transfer window began, the FA had still not completed the investigation. Sky Sports reported that the impact of this investigation was the reason why City decided not to continue with the deal to recruit the playmaker last year.

Meanwhile, via BBC Sport, Paqueta admitted that the investigation had been going on for seven months. He has cooperated as much as possible.

“West Ham have always supported me. There's no reason for them not to do what they do, which is nothing more than just getting their players out there to play football.

“I'm happy to be able to help, I hope to be able to help at the end of the season.”

The Guardian last month claimed that City would resume their interest in Paqueta this summer – but only if a betting investigation into the midfielder is dropped by the time the transfer window officially opens on June 14.