West Bromwich Albion playmaker Matheus Pereira is West Ham United's prime candidate to replace Manchester United Jesse Lingard with talks ongoing over a £25 million deal, according to The Express

Lingard joined the Hammers on loan in January and returned to form in dramatic style – scoring nine times and adding five assists as he helped David Moyes' side finish sixth in the Premier League table.

According to The Express, the east London club now expect the 28-year-old to stay at Man United this summer and have turned their attention to a potential replacement, Pereira.

It is understood that West Ham are in talks with the Hawthorns outfit over a £25 million deal for the Brazilian, which will be a loan move including an obligation to buy.

Chelsea's Ross Barkley and Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also thought to be on Moyes' radar.

Pereira has been an excellent signing for the Baggies since his 2019 arrival – having scored 20 goals and added 26 assists as well as helping them secure promotion in 2019/20 – but recent reports have suggested that new boss Valerien Ismael has frozen him out and hopes he leaves this summer.

The Verdict

It seems as though Pereira will be on the move this summer, with West Ham looking to raid the Championship for attacking talent once again.

Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma have both proven solid signings so far, and based on his 11 goals and six assists in the Premier League last term you feel the Albion winger is likely to have similar success.

Given Ismael is understood to be open to a loan move for Pereira, the structure of this deal looks like it works well for all parties and could provide the Baggies with a financial boost further down the line.

Given they already look like one of the frontrunners for promotion, that could be a shrewd move to make.