West Bromwich Albion are nearing completion of a permanent deal to sign on-loan winger Matheus Pereira.
West Bromwich Albion Near Matheus Pereira Permanent Signing
Slaven Bilic Admits Deal Close
Promotion chasing Albion are nearing a permanent deal for Brazilian winger Pereira, Slaven Bilic has revealed.
The on-loan Baggies striker is just 90 minutes away from completing the permanent move.
Should Pereira play on Saturday against Birmingham City, the winger’s appearance will trigger an £8.25 million move to the Hawthorns.
The 24-year-old has dazzled the Championship as West Brom have challenged for automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
Since joining from Sporting Lisbon in August, the winger has scored six goals and contributed a further 16 assists.
Pereira’s loan deal included a clause ensuring his move would turn permanent if he surpasses 30 appearances of 45 minutes or more.
And boss Bilic has admitted that milestone will likely be achieved this weekend.
He said: “We can sign the player on Saturday if he plays and that is looking very likely to happen, of course. Unless something crazy happens, definitely, we are delighted he’s signing.
“The break [due to Covid-19] did not cause any problems for this.
“He has proved to be one of the biggest reasons we are where we are, it’s a great situation to have him here permanently.
“He is a game-changer, he dictates a game and makes a difference in an area of the pitch where it’s the most difficult. That’s why those players are valued.”
Baggies Chase Filip Krovinovic Deal
Bilic is also keen to sign Croatian midfielder Filip Krovinovic on a permanent deal.
The 24-year-old Benfica loanee has found the net twice, and added four assists, in 31 Championship appearances.
Also on Bilic’s list of summer transfer targets is an extended deal with West Ham winger Grady Diangana.
Albion restart their Championship campaign in second place against Birmingham City on Saturday.
The Baggies are just one point off top and, with Leeds United not in action until Sunday, Bilic’s side could return to the top of the table for the first time since March 7.
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