West Ham United in strong position to sign in-demand striker Ben Brereton Diaz
West Ham United are in a “pretty good position” to complete the signing of Championship striker Ben Brereton Diaz ahead of a “ridiculous” number of alternative suitors, according to Dean Jones.
The Blackburn Rovers centre forward, 23, has established himself as one of the leading marksmen in the last 18 months, scoring 22 goals last season and netting nine times already this campaign.
Despite spending £155million in a massive summer spending spree, the Hammers will likely reignite their summer interest in the striker as they look for a source of goals to heal their struggling attack.
Although the Chilean held interest from Everton, Bournemouth and Leeds United, among other clubs in the summer, David Moyes’s side stands in a strong position to land his acquisition [The Sun]
Former Eurosport journalist Jones told GiveMeSport: “I think West Ham are still in a pretty good position on this one for whenever the time comes to move, but he’s been prepped by a lot of teams this season, like a ridiculous number of teams.”
Strong Competition
Although a perfect reinforcement to their stuttering forward line, West Ham United will face a bidding war for the signature of Brereton Diaz, which could prove a major stumbling block.
With Everton and Leeds United desperately needing strikers in January to repair their paper-thing attacking forces, luring him to the London Stadium would be an impressive feat.
The Rovers will be reluctant to let their marquee forward leave in January, with the club third in the Championship and on their way to a realistic promotion charge, so a summer transfer is far more likely.
Even if the Chilean is allowed to leave, a fee in surplus of £15-20million will be needed to prise him from Ewood Park, and this could rise further if competition is strong.
Yes, Brereton Diaz is undoubtedly a potent goal scorer at Championship level, but is he the player the Hammers need to push on to the next level – I’m not quite sure.