David Moyes wants Matheus Pereira as second major summer signing and midfielder has crazy statistic that will blow West Ham fans away

Matheus Pereira appears to the man being eyed up by David Moyes as West Ham United’s second major signing of the summer after the arrival of Alphonse Areola.

West Ham completed the exciting loan signing of French World Cup winner Areola on Thursday (whufc.com).

And Moyes is being heavily linked with a move for Pereira too.

Hammers fans are excited at the prospect of signing Pereira.

Could Pereira be Moyes’s second major arrival of the summer as speculation intensifies?

Supporters have been increasingly convinced Pereira is West Ham bound after he was given permission by West Brom to skip pre-season friendlies so as to avoid injury which may scupper his departure.

But the likes of Aston Villa, Leicester and Saudi side Al Hilal have also been credited with an interest (The 72).

An Arabic social media account with 12,000 followers claimed West Ham will beat Saudi side Al Hilal to the signing of the Brazilian after agreeing a fee with West Brom.

Some West Ham fans would rather the club continue to pursue a move for Jesse Lingard following his stunning loan spell last season.

Some fans would rather wait for Lingard, others feel Pereira is the better long term addition

Those supporters feel Lingard may want out of Old Trafford if it becomes clear his game time will once again be limited when the season gets underway.

Others cite the fact Pereira is three years younger than Lingard and has brilliant delivery, which will further add to West Ham’s armoury as the side with the most goals from set pieces last season.

But a statistic that has emerged in recent days about Pereira will blow West Ham fans away.

Most West Ham fans will be aware that Pereira contributed 17 goal involvements – 11 goals and six assists – for the Baggies last season.

Pereira boasts crazy Prem debut season statistic that will blow West Ham fans away

Brilliant figures considering he was playing in a relegated side.

But in fact Pereira’s stats make his campaign one of the best ever debut Premier League seasons for a midfield playmaker.

In terms of combined goals and assists in their Premier League debut season Emi Buendia had eight, Jack Grealish notched 13, Mesut Ozil got 15 and the Manchester big boys Kevin de Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes each got 16.

But Pereira stands on his own with that hugely impressive 17.

West Ham could have quite some player on their hands if Moyes can get the deal over the line.

In other news, West Ham in £20.5m talks with Chelsea to sign star who would welcome move – Sky Sports.

And insider dispels huge myth surrounding firm behind West Ham takeover bid.