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BBC pundit lauds ‘wonderful’ trait Matheus Pereira could offer West Ham amid reported £30m transfer interest
BBC Sport pundit Leon Osman has lauded Matheus Pereira for the West Bromwich Albion midfielder’s ‘wonderful’ set-piece ability, amid links with a summer transfer to West Ham United.
Reports by the have identified David Moyes’ side as one of several potential destinations for the £30million Baggies star, as clubs strive to capitalise on the Hawthorns natives’ relegation from the Premier League.
Pereira has been one of the shining lights of West Brom’s ill-fated return to the top-flight with the Brazilian registering in 33 appearances, with his latest strike coming at home to the Hammers on Wednesday night.
The match could have served as a scouting mission for West Ham given their rumoured interest, which is likely to pit the London Stadium outfit against Leicester City, Leeds United and RB Leipzig for a player identified as a potential Jesse Lingard alternative.
Pereira got his night off to a strong start by putting the Baggies ahead midway through the first half straight from a corner, with Tomas Soucek only able to make glancing contact with the curling delivery aimed towards the near post.
Osman was entranced by Pereira’s delivery and praised the midfielder during the game, telling (19/5, 20:45): “It’s a wonderful corner.
“We’ve seen Matheus Pereira try this a few times. He tries to find it under the crossbar, inside the goal frame, to see if anyone gets on the end of it. Matt Phillips made himself a handful for the goalkeeper, but it’s a wonderful delivery from Pereira.”
TBR’s view:
Osman’s comments lauding Pereira’s ‘wonderful’ set-piece ability add another level to what West Ham would have gained from playing against their rumoured target, as it highlights an area of what he could offer Moyes next season if brought to the London Stadium.
Set-pieces are already an area where the Irons shine, with from them in the Premier League this season, but that would only be expected to increase with Pereira potentially joining.
Pereira’s dangerous deliveries could also see the Brazilian’s stock rise in West Ham’s thinking with him considered to be an alternative to Lingard, which may prove to be a boost to the Hammers’ interest with Leicester thought to be for his signature.