Darren Bent has claimed that Matheus Pereira would be a "fantastic signing" for West Ham, amid speculation linking him with a move away from West Bromwich Albion.

Pereira joined West Brom on a season-long loan deal from Sporting Lisbon in the summer, and he has since established himself as one of the best players in the Championship.

The Brazilian has chipped in with six goals and 16 assists for the Baggies this season, helping Slaven Bilic's side climb to second in their bid for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old is set to become a permanent Albion player if he makes one more appearances for the West Midlands side, but he is already attracting interest from elsewhere.

Football Insider claim that West Ham are keeping tabs on the classy playmaker, who looks on course to complete a permanent £8.25m move to the Hawthorns this summer.

Can you get full marks on this West Brom quiz?

Speaking to Football Insider, though, Bent claims that Pereira would be a "fantastic" addition for the Hammers, and Albion could make a big profit if they choose to sell him this summer.

He said: "Absolute snippet. I’m all for them low prices, for West Brom that would be a fantastic signing. As we’ve said, when you’re in the Championship it’s a completely different shopping list when you’re in the Premier League.

"That’s the thing they’ve got to think about (the profit). Hopefully, we can get some football going again so we can see these great guys on the pitch."

The Baggies - at present - are set to return to league action against Hull City on the 4th of April, but whether the EFL suspend fixtures until another weekend remains to be seen.

The Verdict

I don't think West Brom should have any thoughts on selling Pereira whatsoever - he is set to become a permanent Albion player, and he could be a legend in the future.

For a price of £8.25m, Pereira could just get better and better for the Baggies, and he could be one of those players who moves on for £30-40m in the future.

It's hard to believe that he's only 23 years of age, as he is already so calm and mature on the ball, and he is one of the best players the Championship has ever seen.