Kevin Phillips has stated that he hopes Matheus Pereira ignores interest from West Ham United, and stays with West Bromwich Albion next season.

The Brazilian has been in excellent form throughout the Championship campaign, and has become one of the best players in the division since moving on loan from Sporting Lisbon.

West Ham are reportedly interested in taking the 23-year-old to London, and are keeping tabs on Pereira ahead of the new season.

The midfield playmaker has 16 assists in 33 league games which is an astonishing tally and he's also been able to chip in with six goals in the Championship.

West Brom are obliged to make his loan deal permanent for £8 million once the player has featured in 45 minutes of 30 matches, and Phillips insists the player must stay with the Baggies.

Talking to Football Insider, Phillips said: "It is this stage of the season where these rumours can work to unease a player or put doubt into his mind. Only Pereira knows where he will want to play next season. I hope it is with the Baggies in the Premier League.

"When a player has helped a club get promotion you often see them stay because they feel happy and wanted because that is usually the case.”

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The Verdict

Pereira has been brilliant in the Championship this season, and arguably the best player in the league as he's constantly shown a high level of intelligence.

The passes he makes are Premier League level, and already having 16 assists in one season is an absolutely huge number, that shows how good he has been.

If he was to move to West Ham, it wouldn't be the right move for the player and he would definitely struggle with the lack of runners in their lineup.

If the Baggies are playing Premier League football next season then there's no doubt he'll be a West Brom player, if not then it would be no surprise to see West Ham swoop in.