Sheffield United could be close to their first signing of the January window, with Ben Brereton-Diaz set to arrive on loan.
The Blades are in the market for a new forward and Chris Wilder is looking to move quickly to land someone.
Wilder has signed off on a deal to see Benie Traore move to Nantes. However, it looks like he’s also moved quickly to replace Traore.
Sheffield United close to signing Ben Brereton-Diaz
According to reports from Spain, now backed up by The Sheffield Star, United are close to landing Brereton-Diaz from Villarreal.
The forward is set to be in attendance against Valencia tonight but will then jet over to England to finalise the move to Bramall Lane.
Brereton-Diaz only moved to Villarreal in the summer after scoring 16 for Blackburn last season and 23 the year before. He has yet to register for the La Liga side, though.
The Chilean international was lauded by Tony Mowbray as an ‘extraordinary‘ forward during his time at Ewood Park.
Now, it seems, he could be on his way back to England as he tries to rediscover his goalscoring touch.
Previously, Frank Lampard had wanted the striker at Everton. However, a demand of £15m from Blackburn meant no deal ever went through.
A good start to the window
United cannot hang around this window. They have to get deals over the line quickly and Ben Brereton-Diaz would bring some much-needed quality to the ranks.
Yes, his time in Spain hasn’t gone to plan as yet. But he was prolific for Blackburn and has a decent record for Chile, scoring seven in his 21 appearances for them.
Wilder will know a lot about Brereton-Diaz and clearly sees something in the deal if this report is right.
With Traore going, it definitely feels an upgrade if the former Nottingham Forest man signs.
All in all, it would be a good start to the window and a sign the board are backing Wilder at least.