Ben Brereton-Diaz of Blackburn Rovers
According to TEAMtalk, West Ham United have now joined the race to sign Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton-Diaz this summer as Irons transfer chief Rob Newman’s plans begin to emerge.
The Lowdown: Newman falters in January…
Arriving at Rush Green with plenty of promise from former club Manchester City, the ex-Eastlands chief scout has been credited with playing a role in Pep Guardiola’s signing of Aymeric Laporte, amongst others (The Athletic).
However, after a lacklustre window in which West Ham failed to back David Moyes with any signings, Newman’s reputation is reportedly in tatters according to club insiders.
Claret & Hugh claimed recently that there are significant doubts over the 58-year-old’s ability to lead West Ham’s transfer charge this summer, with one source describing his current Head of Recruitment role as a ‘huge step up’ from his job at City.
Those same sources even pour cold water on Newman’s involvement in the Sky Blues’ deals for Laporte and David Silva, saying that he would have ‘run the rule’ over them without having much more influence than that.
This next window could be make or break for West Ham’s transfer chief as TEAMtalk share news on what he is planning to do next.
The Latest: West Ham join Brereton-Diaz race…
According to their sources, West Ham, and by extension Newman, are ‘set to be in the market’ for Rovers star striker Brereton-Diaz this summer alongside Brighton, Crystal Palace, Leeds and Everton.
However, as things stand, it is the Seagulls who currently lead the chase for his signature as West Ham potentially have to claw themselves further to the front of the queue.
The Verdict: Go all out…
As Newman looks to make a splash in the market for Moyes, we believe he should go all out for Brereton-Diaz, who has been in simply sensational Championship form this campaign.
The Chile international forward has notched 20 goals in 30 second tier appearances so far this season, leaving little wonder Rovers want at least £30 million to sell their man.
Lauded as a ‘beast’ by Ewood Park boss Tony Mowbray, former Sheffield United shot stopper Paddy Kenny has also called Brereton-Diaz a potentially ‘exciting signing‘ for West Ham.
Tags like these back his credentials to be a real asset under Moyes and the Hammers should at least attempt to end their long-time striker search with a move for Rovers’ brilliant 22-year-old.
In other news: Chief sports writer: West Ham also enter pre-summer discussions to sign ‘out of the ordinary’ £22.5m-rated star, find out more here.
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