Manchester United and Tottenham have been dealt some bad news in their respective pursuits of Ben Brereton Diaz.
What’s the story?
Well, it was 90min who revealed that Antonio Conte and Erik ten Hag were both hoping to sign the Chile international from Blackburn, having sent scouts to watch him in action.
However, Diaz will now be joining Villarreal – according to Fabrizio Romano.
The reliable Italian journalist has confirmed that the Blackburn No.22 will leave Ewood Park to join the Spanish side at the end of the season, when his contract official expires.
Diaz has signed a pre-contract agreement with Villarreal, something he was able to do if a club from abroad approached him.
Interestingly, English sides are not able to strike pre-contract agreements with those who see their contracts coming to an end at another English club. That luxury is only afforded to foreign sides.
On Twitter, Romano wrote: “Ben Brereton Diaz has full agreement to join Villarreal in June as free agent — deal sealed and completed. Premier League clubs were tracking him too but Brereton will join Villarreal.”
Diaz earned his move to Villarreal after scoring ten goals in 31 appearances for Blackburn so far this season.
The 23-year-old impressively scored 22 goals in 37 Championship outings last term.
Tottenham find alternative to Manchester United target
Tottenham have already signed Arnaut Danjuma – coincidentally on loan from Villarreal – to bolster their attacking options, so Conte’s need for Diaz has diminished.
Contrastingly, Manchester United certainly could have done with a player like the Chile international, having terminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract while Anthony Martial also struggles to stay fit.
Of course, Wout Weghorst arrived as a centre-forward option, although Ten Hag could use another wide attacker.
Whatever happens, Spurs nor the Red Devils will be signing Diaz, as he is heading to Villarreal this summer.
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