West Ham eye West Brom star Matheus Pereira as Jesse Lingard alternative
West Ham are lining up a move for West Brom star Matheus Pereira if they cannot sign Jesse Lingard on a permanent deal this summer, according to the Express.
The report claims the Irons are among a trio of Premier League clubs interested in the Brazilian playmaker, with Leeds United and Leicester City also in the race as the sides look to take advantage of West Brom’s recent relegation.
Bundesliga high-flyers RB Leipzig are also in contention for the 25-year-old who has shone for the Baggies this season, scoring ten goals and registering five assists in the top-tier despite his club’s struggles.
Leicester are said to be leading the chase, with West Ham only expected to firm up their interest if they are unable to land loan star Lingard on a permanent basis from Manchester United.
Lingard has been one of the revelations of the Premier League season since he moved to East London on a temporary deal in January, scoring nine times in 13 games to boost their Champions League hopes.
But he could prove too expensive to sign with his parent club potentially putting a £40million on his head [The Sun] while the Express report claims Pereira would be a much more affordable target, with West Brom asking for up to £20million.
Perfect alternative
The dream for all West Ham fans is for Lingard to sign on a permanent basis.
He’s been absolutely sensational for us since he made the move from Manchester, both on and off the field.
Lingard has proved to be a popular figure with fans and players, with Instagram videos from teammates often capturing his playful nature within the dressing room.
Such an infectious personality like that, who also delivers on the field, would be sorely missed.
But in Pereira we could be getting a player who performs a similar function, and is younger than the 28-year-old England international.
Joe Cole and Peter Crouch were left in awe at his abilities despite West Brom’s relegation on Sunday night, with the former calling him “unbelievable” while Crouch called his goal against Arsenal “magic”. [BT Sport, 09/05/21]
Pereira has shown he can play a variety of positions, with 12 starts from the right of midfield, and 11 in a central attacking midfield role, while he has also operated from the left on four occasions. [WhoScored]
He may not be quite as industrious as Lingard but he’s still shown he can do the hard yards under Sam Allardyce at The Hawthorns, and his goal threat and dribbling abilities would be a welcome sight at the London Stadium.
If we can’t prise Lingard from Manchester United’s clutches then Pereira would be a smart capture.
In other West Ham news, Irons in hunt to sign ‘Phenomenal’ £15m-rated defender from PL rivals.
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