‘Respect has got to be both ways’ – Bilic opens up on new contract talks with West Brom star

Slaven Bilic has explained why West Brom are offering Matheus Pereira a new contract despite the Brazilian only arriving at The Hawthorns permanently this summer. 

The Telegraph reported in the last week that the 24-year-old was to be given a new contract that contained a wage rise and a higher release clause.

Speaking to Express and Star, the Baggies boss explained why a new deal has been offered to Pereira and admitted he doesn’t anticipate any problems in getting his star man to sign a new contract.

He said, “He has signed a long contract but as a manager you want every player to be happy and to get what they deserve.

“You want them to feel comfortable, to feel valued and for them to respect the club. Respect has got to be both ways. With Matheus, I can’t see there being a big problem finding a solution that will please both sides”.

Pereira has continued his attacking exploits from last term into the early stages of the new Premier League season as he has notched a goal and two assists in his six appearances.

As Albion have only scored six goals this season it means that the Brazilian has had a hand in half on his side’s goals this season, this perhaps highlights why Bilic is so keen to tie down one of his star men.

This could also be the first use of the money that Albion received in the deal that saw defender Ahmed Hegazi leave the club last week. Athletic journalist Steve Madeley claimed last week that Albion will be £10 million better off following Hegazi’s departure due to a combination of the fee received and saved wages.

Pereira could be a huge asset for West Brom this season and now he has a proper striker in front of him in the shape of Karlan Grant, you can expect his figures for assists to rise throughout the season.

In other West Brom news, Dimitar Berbatov has predicted a narrow win when his former side meet the Baggies on Monday.

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