Former Blackburn Rovers attacker Ben Brereton Diaz has emerged as a target for Premier League newcomers Southampton, according to The Sun.
The 25-year-old made the move to La Liga outfit Villarreal last summer following the expiration of his contract at Ewood Park. Despite signing a four-year deal with the 2021 Europa League winners, his time in Spain has been underwhelming so far.
He failed to score in his 20 appearances during the first half of the season, with the majority of his minutes coming from the substitutes bench. A loan to Premier League strugglers Sheffield United followed, where the Chile international rediscovered his sparkle.
Although the Blades suffered relegation, Brereton Diaz was widely praised for his short stint at Bramall Lane. He hit six goals in 14 league outings, leading to speculation that Villarreal may give the player another opportunity upon his return to the club this summer.
His form in Yorkshire has caught the eye of Southampton though, who are keen to recruit the former Nottingham Forest man. According to reports, the Saints are interested in either a permanent deal or a loan with an option to buy.
Russell Martin is on the lookout for an attacker this summer, with Che Adams departing the club whilst Paul Onuachu is also on his way out. Brereton Diaz is viewed as the ideal replacement in a transfer which could see him link up with former teammate Adam Armstrong.
The pair formed a formidable partnership during their respective spells at Blackburn, where they hit 45 goals in 69 appearances together. Armstrong was the more prolific of the two, eventually earning him a move to the south coast in 2021.
His departure saw Brereton Diaz become the main man in Lancashire, where he hit the back of the net 38 times over the course of the next two seasons. Meanwhile, Armstrong scored the goal which earned Southampton a place back in the Premier League last month when his strike secured a 1-0 win over Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
Writer’s View
It was inevitable that Brereton Diaz would catch the eye of clubs in the Premier League following his spell at Sheffield United. Even though the Blades were woeful, the 25-year-old proved to be a bright spark over the course of the second half of the campaign. It may have been his first stint in the top tier, but he has certainly showed he can cut it.
Although there are rumours that Villarreal may offer him another opportunity to prove his worth, a move back to England would be tempting. Southampton are the first to show interest, but there are likely to be others that explore the option.
Head of Writing