Ben Jacobs: Leeds United could make fresh transfer approach for Villarreal striker Ben Brereton Diaz

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Published on:

30 Jan 2024, 12:10 pm

Leeds United could have another attempt at signing Villarreal striker Ben Brereton Diaz at the end of the season, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Whites were strongly linked with the Chile international last year, but he instead made the switch to LaLiga after departing Blackburn Rovers.

Diaz's time in Spain did not go to plan and he has since returned to English football on a short-term loan deal with Sheffield United.

Speaking on Caught Offside's The Debrief podcast [30 January, 3:06pm], Jacobs said Leeds could make a fresh approach in the summer if they are promoted.

"Come the summer, I wouldn't rule out a possibility for Leeds to revisit an old target in Ben Brereton Diaz," the CBS journalist said.

"It didn't work out for him in Spain and he's obviously moved to Sheffield United.

"But that's only a straight loan, so don't be surprised if Leeds get promoted and come back in as he's been on their radar for quite some time."

Big if

Brereton Diaz was superb for Blackburn in the Championship, earning praise from Tony Mowbray for his "extraordinary" performances.

The move to LaLiga was deserved, but he made just two starts for Villarreal in the competition and failed to score before his January exit.

Already at Sheffield United he has showed what he is capable of, having netted on his Premier League bow against West Ham recently.

Leeds do not really have much chance of landing the Chile international while we are in the Championship, but hopefully that soon changes.

It goes without saying that the Whites will be able to recruit a higher calibre of player if back in the big time, which is of course the aim.

Brereton Diaz is exactly the type of player who could shine at Elland Road, but this is not really a transfer worth discussing until the season is over.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are set to cut ties with a player who Marcelo Bielsa handed a debut to.

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Ben Brereton-Diaz

Ben Jacobs