After the latest news surrounding Jesse Lingard, West Ham boss David Moyes could ease the pain by swooping for an alternative target this summer...

What's the word?

It's thought that West Brom playmaker Matheus Pereira is seen as a potential target for the Irons should they not manage to secure the Manchester United loan sensation on a permanent basis, via the Express.

The Sun have recently claimed that Lingard would like to stay at Old Trafford in a stunning new twist, so Moyes may want to turn his attentions to the relegated star, especially after a fresh update emerged this weekend.

According to the Daily Star (print edition, 13th June, p41), the Baggies have reduced their asking price to just £15m amid interest in his signature from promoted duo Norwich City and Brentford.

Forget Lingard

Whilst Pereira isn't Lingard, he certainly is not a bad second choice to sign this transfer window.

He was one of the few shining lights in what was an abysmal season at the Hawthorns. He provided 11 goals and six assists, which accounted for 48.5% of all their goals scored in the league during the 2020/21 campaign.

Only Harry Kane was of more importance to his Spurs side than Pereira at West Brom in terms of being involved in the highest percentages of a team's goals.

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The 25-year-old finished as their joint-top highest-rated player, being graded at 6.96 by WhoScored, whilst his 1.8 key passes per game would see him comfortably clear of the Hammers' most creative options, including Lingard (1.1).

Moyes will know all too well about Pereira's ability considering two of his goals came against West Ham this season, and whilst the Hammers won both encounters, the Brazilian magician was above and beyond their standout performer.

It's no wonder he has been hailed as a "genius" by his former coach Nate Weiss and a "special talent" by Spanish football journalist Colin Millar.

Valued at £18m by CIES Football Observatory, the Baggies' new asking price seems to be an absolute bargain as it's below his perceived worth and if the East London outfit are to miss out on Lingard, then there aren't many better that could repeat his exploits than the Brazilian maestro.

GSB should look to sanction this deal, but only if a move for their loan star is dead in the water.

AND in other news, Moyes could secure West Ham's next Antonio in £20m swoop for "explosive" goal machine...