Insider says West Ham player could be surprise inclusion in deal to clinch Matheus Pereira signing from West Brom

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Goalkeeper Darren Randolph could be a surprise inclusion in a deal for West Ham United to clinch the exciting signing of West Bromwich Albion star Matheus Pereira.

West Ham have been heavily linked with a move for West Brom playmaker Pereira this summer as it becomes increasingly clear a move for Jesse Lingard looks unlikely.

Hammers supporters are excited at the prospect of signing the Brazilian, who is three years younger than Lingard and contributed 17 goals and assists for the Baggies last season despite playing in a relegated side.

Hammers heavily linked with Pereira as Lingard alternative

And many 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).

Last week an Arabic account with 12,000 followers claimed West Ham had beaten Al Hilal to the signing of the Brazilian.

But speculation has abound that West Ham are trying to sign Pereira on loan with an obligation to buy – similar to the deal which brought Said Benrahma to the club last season.

Areola signing rules out Hammers move for Johnstone but there could be a twist yet

West Ham had been linked with a double raid on West Brom for Pereira and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

But Moyes made PSG ‘keeper Alphonse Areola his first proper signing of the summer in midweek, putting paid to any move for Johnstone – who has been linked with a number of other clubs.

West Ham’s capture of Areola puts Darren Randolph’s future in serious doubt.

And now West Ham insider ExWHUemployee claims the Republic of Ireland stopper could be included in a deal to clinch the signing of Pereira if Johnstone does – as is expected – move on.

Insider says Randolph could be sweetener to help West Ham clinch Pereira signing if Johnstone departs

“Talks are also still ongoing with WBA over Matheus Pereira,” ExWHUemployee said on The West Ham Way Patreon site.

“Again, West Ham prefer a loan move with an option to buy but WBA which to sell. The club are currently in negotiations with this and we have competition from other clubs. We are considering going back in with a £15m cash offer.

“Whilst David Moyes has said to Randolph that he is happy for him to stay at the club especially with Fabianski, Areola (for now) and Martin only having one year left on their contracts but the board feel he may have to move on as there is no point having this many keepers on the books. An ideal situation would be for WBA to sell Johnstone and for us to be able to offer Randolph in a deal for Pereira (the domino effect I often speak of).”

In other news, ‘What a guy’ Declan Rice loves video of teammate ahead of West Ham return.

And Hutchison says West Ham owners ignored advice to sign rapid £30m star now bound for Villa.