This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Manchester United are showing an interest in signing attacking midfielder Matheus Pereira, who has impressed on loan at West Bromwich Albion from Sporting Lisbon this season, as reported by The Mirror.

What's the story?

Pereira has caught the eye of various Premier League clubs this campaign, having impressed for Slaven Bilic's Championship table-toppers West Brom.

So far, the 23-year-old has started 11 league games, coming on as a substitute three times, scoring 3 goals and assisting a further 6.

In addition to these telling contributions, the Brazilian midfielder has averaged 1.4 tackles, 2.2 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game.

West Brom have an option to sign Pereira permanently for £8.25m, but that is not said to have put United off moving for him.

Replicating past success

This strategy of looking to recruit a player who has been excelling in the Championship is reminiscent of United's summer move for Daniel James.

They signed the 22-year-old from Swansea City, following a season in which he scored 4 goals and assisted 7 more in 28 league starts and 5 substitute appearances.

He has been a bit of a revelation since heading to Old Trafford, scoring 3 goals and assisting twice in 11 league starts and 1 appearance off the bench.

The winger has impressed Phil Thompson, who was quoted on Soccer Saturday (via The Express) as saying: “He looks comfortable in the surroundings, normally when you get a young kid going to a big club like Manchester United you’re having a look round the stadium.

“But even when he first comes on as a sub, the first game against Chelsea, it was ‘give me the ball’ and he was racing forward and he seemed to be enjoying it. I just think fair play to the boy, he’s made a big, big statement.”

This can be seen as an early sign of success, considering the £15m price tag that was attached to the Wales international upon his arrival.

If United do eventually sign Pereira, they will be hoping the Brazilian can make as seamless a transition into their team as James has done.