West Ham United have reportedly emerged as ‘favourites’ to sign Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz during the upcoming transfer window, according to a Spanish source.
The Lowdown: Almost a free agent
The 23-year-old first joined the Championship outfit on loan from Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2018, and after a successful spell, ended up putting pen to paper on a permanent deal at Ewood Park in January of the following year.
The striker has been consistently linked with a move away from the Blue and Whites as a result of his contract expiring at the end of the season, which will make him a free agent to any potential suitors, and there appears to be interest being ignited from multiple clubs across Europe.
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The Latest: West Ham leading the race
According to the Spanish press (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Sevilla are ‘keen’ on a move for Brereton Diaz, but the Irons are believed to be ‘favourites’ ahead of their competitors in the race for his signature.
The report further states that the option to extend, the costs of a deal, and the level of wages available would ‘benefit’ West Ham, which could be seen as an advantage in the battle for his services.
The Verdict: Goal machine
The £9m-rated forward has been in some seriously impressive form for Rovers this season, having netted 22 goals and provided three assists in just 39 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.
Such form has seen the Stoke-born predator receive high praise from his manager Tony Mowbray, who dubbed his standout goal-getter an “extraordinary” talent, with his performances being rewarded through a surprise international call-up for Chile.
He has now become a star for his country too, with four goals in 11 caps, and perhaps the deciding factor could be that he needs to play for a club where he’s going to get guaranteed game time to cement his place in Chile’s starting XI in years to come.