West Ham are in talks with West Brom over a deal for Matheus Pereira as David Moyes’ side look to sign their top Jesse Lingard alternative, according to the Express.
The Irons have accepted that Lingard will not be returning to the London Stadium this summer. They expect the England international to stay at Manchester United and try to resurrect his Old Trafford career after a successful loan spell in claret and blue last season.
Lingard failed to play a minute in the Premier League during 2020/21 before joining West Ham on loan in January. He then hit the ground running with a brace on debut against Aston Villa, on route to a nine-goal, five-assist haul over 16 top-flight appearances.
West Ham were keen to bring Lingard back if a deal with Manchester United was possible, per Sky Sports. But the Hammers have accepted the 28-year-old is off the table and have turned to raiding West Brom for Pereira.
West Ham have a plan up their sleeve to sign Pereira with the West Brom playmaker their top Lingard alternative, as well. The Irons and Baggies are negotiating a £25m transfer for the Brazilian, who could join on an initial loan deal.
The Hammers would then hold an obligation to buy the 25-year-old next summer. It is a similar strategy to the deal they originally struck with Brentford for Said Benrahma last year.
West Ham to repeat Benrahma deal for West Brom star Pereira as Lingard successor
West Ham paid Brentford £5m for a season-long loan that carried a £20m obligation to buy Benrahma. The deal also featured £5m in add-ons after the Algerian produced a stunning Championship season. He scored 17 goals and nine assists in 43 games during 2019/20.
But rather than completing the move this summer, they brought the payment forward to January to free space for Lingard. Although Benrahma’s West Ham career is yet to see the same successes as his Bees spell. The 25-year-old has scored once in 30 top-flight outings.
West Ham will hope Pereira enjoys success similar to Lingard if they can finalise a deal with West Brom. The Brazilian has the advantage of prior Premier League experience, too, after offering 11 goals and six assists in a relegated Baggies side last term.
And West Brom are clearly accepting Pereira’s future lies away from The Hawthorns amid West Ham’s interest. Birmingham Live report the Championship side gave him permission to sit out their pre-season friendlies ahead of any move.
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