Transfer notebook: De Bruyne fears see Man City step up Paqueta pursuit, West Ham target Martial, Mitoma commits to Brighton

Manchester City plan to step up their interest in Lucas Paqueta with Kevin De Bruyne facing a spell on the sidelines.

De Bruyne hobbled off during City’s 3-0 win at Burnley on Friday and the early prognosis is not thought to be positive.

Despite the speculation over his future, Paqueta was picked to start in West Ham’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth on SaturdayGetty Images

City were already pushing for Paqueta and Pep Guardiola now sees the Brazilian ace a priority signing.

talkSPORT understands West Ham are not confident of keeping Paqueta, although will demand a fee well in excess of £80million.

Meanwhile, City have no plans to sell Bernardo Silva this transfer window, despite strong interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Hammer time for Martial?

West Ham are eyeing a potential move for a third Manchester United star.

After agreeing a fee with United for Harry Maguire and having a £30m bid rejected for Scott McTominay, the Hammers have registered their interest in Anthony Martial.

Talks are still at an early stage and there is no guarantee Erik ten Hag would sanction the departure of the French striker with United short of out-and-out No.9s.

The Red Devils may also struggle to command a big fee for Martial, who is out of contract next summer.

Martial is facing an uncertain future at Old TraffordGetty Images

But talkSPORT has been told West Ham have asked to be kept informed on the 27-year-old’s situation.

Hands off

Brighton are confident Kaoru Mitoma will not become the latest big-name departure from the Amex.

Mitoma has been subject of interest from clubs including Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

But the Japan international is believed to be close to putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract at the Amex Stadium.

Mitoma committing his future will be a big boost for the Seagulls, with teammate Moises Caicedo locked in a transfer tug-of-war with Chelsea and Liverpool.

The south coast side have already lost Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool this transfer window.

With their other star players being snapped up, Brighton are determined to keep hold of MitomaGetty Images

Blades target

Sheffield United want to replace the departed Iliman Ndiaye with Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer.

Villa are willing to sanction the departure of 21-year-old Archer to help balance their finances.

talkSPORT understands the Blades are keen to sign Archer on a permanent deal.

Archer, one of the heroes of England’s Snder-21 European Championship win, is also on the radar of several top Championship clubs.