West Ham United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign West Brom talisman Matheus Pereira, according to Claret & Hugh. 

Pereira has been with the Baggies since 2020, and has caught the eye with a number of strong showings for them over the years, and it appears as though that hasn't gone unnoticed.

The 25-year-old scored 12 goals, and was on hand to provide six assists for his West Brom team-mates last term, although his efforts weren't quite enough, as they were relegated from the Premier League.

Pereira assisted 20 goals in the 2019/20 season with West Brom, as they clinched promotion from the second tier, and it seems as though they face a tough battle to keep him at the club.

Leeds United and Leicester City have also been credited with interest in signing Pereira earlier this summer, although it remains to be seen as to whether any formal bids have been made for his services at this stage.

It is claimed by Claret & Hugh that West Ham see Pereira as an alternative to Jesse Lingard, with it looking as though the Hammers will miss out on being able to bring him back to the club ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Lingard scored nine goals in 16 appearances for David Moyes' side, and the club were rumoured to be keen on re-signing him this summer.

But those hopes of landing his signature for a second time were dealt a blow, with it being revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees Lingard as part of his plans with the Manchester United first-team this term.

Therefore, that has seen West Ham look at alternative options, with Pereira being one of them, and it'll be interesting to see whether they're to match West Brom's reported £30million valuation of their star man.

The Baggies are set to take on AFC Bournemouth in the opening match of the 2021/22 Championship season, in what is likely to be a tricky test for Valerien Ismael's side at the Vitality Stadium on Friday 6th August.

The Verdict: 

This is a smart move by the Hammers.

Although it's frustrating news in their pursuit of Lingard, they can now turn their attentions to a player that has shown he can also adjust to the demands of Premier League football.

Pereira is that player, with the Brazilian having 12 goals and six assists to his name from the 2020/21 season with West Brom, and you would imagine that he could be tempted by a move to West Ham this summer.

The prospect of playing European football will be too good of an opportunity to turn down, and this could be the ideal move for all parties involved if the Baggies' valuation of Pereira is matched.