Joe Wainman, a former Leeds United pundit on All Leeds TV, admits that he wanted Matheus Pereira to join the club this summer.

The attacking midfielder has joined Al Hilal from West Bromwich Albion, despite links with a number of Premier League clubs.

Leeds were reportedly interested, as were West Ham United, but he has opted to move to the Saudi Arabian league instead of remaining in England.

Pereira was a standout performer for the Baggies last season despite their relegation to the Championship, scoring 11 goals and registering six assists in 33 games in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old was seen by Wainman as a potential long-term replacement for Pablo Hernandez, who departed the club at the end of last season.

He has expressed his disappointment that he did not end up at Elland Road, although he can understand the reasons behind his decision to make the move to Saudi Arabia.

He said: “I would have liked to have seen him come in, just in terms of what he can offer, I think he’s a great player. I’d have seen him as a little bit of a Pablo Hernandez replacement possibly. But I get why Pereira has made that move.”