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West Ham suffer blow in transfer chase for Ben Brereton-Diaz
West Ham have been dealt a blow in their chase for Blackburn striker Ben Brereton-Diaz this month after Tony Mowbray said the club aren’t looking to sell him.
Blackburn have found themselves pushing for the automatic promotion places this season in the Championship, with Chile international Brereton-Diaz scoring 20 league goals so far.
His amazing form has seen him linked with a move to Premier League sides including West Ham [talkSPORT], with a potential £20m fee attached to any transfer.
Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray was discussing the club’s transfer plans for January during his pre-match press conference [TeamTalk] when he revealed the club have no plans to part with their top scorer.
“I’m hoping in this window we bring some young strikers in to the football club they will have to watch and understand how we expect them to play and one of them might grow into a top player as well.
“I need to clarify, we’re not looking to sell Ben Brereton, we need him to hopefully get 40 goals and help the team be successful this year.”
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Goals galore
West Ham have reportedly made a striker a priority signing for January, with Michail Antonio in need of some help up front.
The Jamaica international is the club’s top scorer this season with eight goals in all competitions but he recently went on a long drought without a goal and West Ham’s form suffered for it.
As the only centre-forward option at the club, a new signing would not only provide competition but also give David Moyes more options for his team and Brereton-Diaz would fit right in with their style of play.
Dubbed as ‘outstanding‘ by former teammate Elliott Bennett, the Chile international has seen his star rise over the last 12 months and the 22-year-old could have a bright future in the Premier League if he continues his development.
West Ham will see it as a blow that Blackburn have no intention of selling in January, as a £20m deal would’ve been ideal for them and their squad without spending a bomb.
In other West Ham news, Hammers ‘won’t entertain any approach’ for ‘monster’ defender in January – report.