Leeds United transfer news: Move for Ben Brereton Diaz still on with no permanent option involved in Sheffield United loan talks
Ben Brereton Diaz remains on the radar of Leeds United despite his possible loan move to Sheffield United, according to Ben Jacobs.
The CBS journalist reported via Twitter on 3 January that the Blades are trying to take the Villarreal striker on a temporary basis in the January window, but a summer approach from the Whites remains on the cards if the club are promoted.
The former Blackburn Rovers star’s move to La Liga hasn’t worked out and he appears set for a return to England already after failing to find the net following his summer departure from Ewood Park.
Jacobs wrote: “Sheffield United are trying to sign Villarreal striker Ben Brereton Díaz on loan. No option to buy being discussed. Brereton Diaz remains on Leeds’ radar.
“They could still explore something this summer if they get promoted.”
Long game
It will likely require the 21-cap Chile international to return to form at Bramall Lane over the remainder of the season to make it a viable move, but after long-term links to Brereton Diaz it appears his struggles in Spain have re-opened a door that looked closed once he left England last year.
Having scored 36 Championship goals across the previous two campaigns he looked primed to make the step up, and at 24 he still has time to regain that sort of form.
After being the main man at Blackburn the forward has been reduced to bit-part option at Villarreal and hasn’t scored in 14 La Liga appearances.
Patrick Bamford scored his first of the season in the 3-0 win over Birmingham on New Years Day, while Joel Piroe was brought in for £12million in the summer [Wales Online], but the picture at striker is still unresolved.
The Dutchman has largely been used as a number 10 by Daniel Farke, with Georginio Rutter leading the line despite appearing to be more of a creator then a finisher.
Joe Gelhardt has got lost in the shuffle while Mateo Joseph is also waiting to break through, but if the Whites secure promotion there is certain to be movement in both directions at the position.
A lot has to fall into place before a Brereton Diaz move could become a reality, but while he looks to be headed elsewhere in England this month it looks like he is still a going concern at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, a mega-rich club have more money to spend than originally thought and could be set to target a Whites star with it.