Journalist shares West Ham United quest to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz
West Ham are not prepared to pay a “staggering” £15m fee for Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Hammers are one of the clubs vying for the Chilean signature, along with Newcastle, Everton and Leeds United, but Blackburn are not refusing to lower the asking price of Diaz, as reported by Nixon for The Sun (7 January).
The 23-year-old striker has a contract at the club until the end of the season and can sign a pre-contract with a foreign club.
Smart decision
Diaz enjoyed a fantastic 2021-22 season where he scored 22 goals in 37 games in the Championship.
He hasn’t been as prolific as last season but has still managed to score 10 goals in 29 games in all competitions.
He has already scored against West Ham in the Carabao Cup clash, and Moyes appears to be his admirer.
However, it makes little sense to spend £15m on someone who will be a free agent in the summer.
Moyes probably could look to bolster his forward department in the January window, although chances are unlikely.
The Hammers spent over £150m in the summer, and unless they badly feel the need, Moyes won’t be given enough funds in the winter market.
Brereton-Diaz would have been a good addition though but Blackburn are making it difficult for all his potential suitors.
Having said that, the situation could change. The Hammers could make a move for him if they lose one of their strikers through injury.