Joe Cole raves about Aston Villa target Matheus Pereira’s display

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Joe Cole has told BT Sport (broadcast on 9/5; 21:12) that West Brom stand no chance of keeping Matheus Pereira this summer, insisting that the reported Aston Villa target is levels above any of his teammates.

The Baggies’ relegation was confirmed on Sunday. Their defeat at Arsenal has ensured that they will make an immediate return to the Championship.

It comes after a valiant attempt at a fightback during the second-half of the campaign. And no player has arguably done more to keep their hopes alive than Pereira.

The Brazilian has scored 10 goals in the top flight. He has also scored five and provided two assists in his last six appearances.

His latest strike came after an outstanding solo run at the Emirates on Sunday. And following that game, Cole insisted that he will be on the move this summer.

“No chance,” he told BT Sport, when asked about the chances of the Baggies keeping him. “I’ve watched him three or four times and he’s levels above the players around him on the pitch.

“But credit to him, he digs in, he tries to do his best defensively. Any team outside of the top five will be looking at Pereira and thinking, ‘he can come and play for us’. He’s a real quality player. I really enjoyed watching him tonight.”

Cole’s comments are particularly interesting given that it is one of his former clubs who have been linked with the 25-year-old recently.

The Athletic reported shortly after their draw with West Brom that Villa were eyeing Pereira.

Dean Smith’s men arguably need more creativity from a greater number of players next season. So you can certainly understand why the West Brom magician is on their radar.

However, Cole’s comments hint that there are likely to be a raft of Premier League sides keen to offer Pereira the chance to stay in the top flight next year.