Matheus Pereira joined West Bromwich Albion on a loan deal last summer and is closing in on making a permanent switch, to the delight of many Baggies fans.

The Championship side will reportedly have an obligation to sign him on a permanent basis if he features for 45 minutes or more against Birmingham City this weekend.

This is because of a clause included in the loan deal that stated that if Pereira plays in 30 or more matches, featuring for 45 minutes or more in each, then the Baggies will be obliged to pay £8.25m for his permanent transfer from Sporting Lisbon.

The 23-year-old has been in fine form in the league this season, finding the back of the net six times and registering a remarkable 16 assists (Transfermarkt) to help Slaven Bilic’s side to second place in the table behind Leeds United.

Many fans on Twitter are excited for this weekend’s game because it means that he will be one step closer to making his permanent switch to The Hawthorns.

Is Pereira the best player in the Championship at the moment?

Yes

No