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Leeds United have reportedly been put off by Blackburn Rovers’ valuation of Ben Brereton Diaz as they explored signing him on deadline day.
According to Phil Hay and David Ornstein on the Athletic blog, the Whites saw the Chilean as an alternative to Bamba Dieng who was set to join Leeds and then snubbed them only to fail his medical at Nice.
However, they did not succeed in their pursuit to sign him as Rovers’ £15million-£20million valuation was too much for them.
They wrote on The Atheltic, “Leeds United explored a late deal for Ben Brereton Diaz but were put off by Blackburn Rovers’ valuation.
“The Athletic understands Leeds showed interest in the Chile international after their failed bid for Bamba Dieng. Leeds were also interested in Joel Piroe, but Swansea ruled out him leaving before deadline day. Blackburn valued Diaz in the region of £15million-£20million. Leeds were not willing to pay that fee.”
Too late in the day
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Diaz would have been our go to striker option just when it was revealed how much they were looking to shell out for a player.
He was also the most attainable of the lot, but unfortunately, he was too expensive.
However, had Leeds approached Blackburn a few days earlier, they could’ve got the price down as they would’ve given the Championship club some time to sign a replacement.
But, waiting so late meant that they would have to pay over the top or then end up missing out on the player altogether.
That’s exactly what happened, but all is not doom and gloom for Leeds as they may still bring in another striker on deadline day.
While the deadline has passed, had they got their deal sheet in by 11pm, they will be able to get an extension to sign the player.
Fabrizio Romano said on his Twitch stream (September 1, 11:09 pm) that the Whites will now be signing Willy Gnonto from Zurich. It remains to be seen if they do end up signing him.
In other Leeds United news, Whites player seals exit on August 31 as a European club wins the hotly-contested race for his services.