Joe Cole has told BT Sport that Matheus Pereira will leave West Bromwich Albion amid claims that Aston Villa want to sign him.
The Athletic say that Villa are keen on nicking the Baggies’ playmaker, after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed yesterday.
West Brom were beaten 3-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last night, but Pereira still managed to showcase his talents.
And Cole feels that the £9 million man (BBC Sport) will definitely leave the Hawthorns, amid claims Villa want him.
“You’re going to lose Pereira, because a player of his quality needs to be playing in a team set up to get his attribute outs.
“He will be picked up.
“No chance [they keep him]. I’ve watched him three or four times and he’s levels above the players around him on the pitch.
“Any team outside the top five will be looking at the top five will be watching him thinking he can come and play for us.”
If Pereira was to join Villa it would surely be a move which would hurt Baggies fans.
However, his skill and craft could really aid Dean Smith’s side in the final third.
Villa have lacked a creative outlet this term when Jack Grealish has been injured.
But Pereira could help take the burden off of Grealish’s shoulders, and his performances in the Premier League this season have clearly shown that he can cope in the top flight, despite his side’s struggles.
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