By Noel Whelan

17th May, 2021 | 11:00am

Whelan suggests Pereira-Costa part-exchange deal after reported Leeds update

Helder Costa has “tried and failed” at Leeds United and the club should offer him as a makeweight in a deal for Matheus Pereira. 

That is according to ex-Whites ace Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the Express reported that Leeds are keen on the West Brom star.

West Ham and RB Leipzig are also said to be interested in the Brazilian playmaker, 25, who has five goals and three assists in his last seven games.

Costa meanwhile has struggled since signing for Leeds permanently in the summer, his frustrations compounded when he picked up a season-ending injury in April.

Asked about the prospect of a Pereira-Costa swap deal, Whelan was emphatic in his verdict.

“I’d take that all day long,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.

“Look, he’d be going closer to Wolves where he originally came from. Maybe he’s still got a place down there, so it would probably make logistical sense.

“If we could get him off the books at Leeds, we should absolutely do it. He’s tried and failed at Leeds, in my opinion.

“He hasn’t given us enough when we’ve needed it. Maybe West Brom can get the best out of him. Maybe the Championship is his level.

“If we can get that swap deal and get in a player who can cope with Premier League demands, I would take that all day long.”

Costa has made 22 appearances in the top-flight this season, 13 of them starts.

Pereira meanwhile has featured 32 times for relegated West Brom, netting 10 goals and laying on six assists across those appearances.

In other news, Leeds United star stalls on contract offer with fellow Premier League team interested.