Newcastle United wanted Ben Brereton Diaz and Dan Ashworth is understood to have called Blackburn Rovers about a deal last month.
The Magpies spent most of the summer targeting new attacking players to bolster Eddie Howe’s side in the final third.
A host of names were linked over the course of the summer but Newcastle did eventually strike their big deal by signing Alexander Isak.
The Swedish international has arrived in a big-money move from Real Soceidad and he has already shown his huge talent by scoring against Liverpool.
Newcastle did though look at other options and one of them was an attacker starring in the Championship…
Newcastle United wanted Ben Brereton Diaz
The Athletic report that Newcastle considered names such as Harvey Barnes, Benjamin Sesko and Maxwel Cornet, but then looked towards Ben Brereton Diaz.
It’s stated that Newcastle director of football Dan Ashworth called Blackburn in mid-August to discuss a potential deal for Brereton Diaz.
Whatever Newcastle and Ashworth heard about a potential deal, they seemingly didn’t like and moved on to signing Isak.
Newcastle may have felt that rather than spend up to £20million on a Championship player, they were better off splashing the cash on a player with elite potential in Isak.
Brereton Diaz, 23, was simply outstanding last season as he notched 22 goals in 37 Championship appearances for Blackburn and was hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by Tony Mowbray.
The Chile international has already bagged four goals and one assist in eight games this term, continuing to shine for Rovers.
Many expected Brereton Diaz to head to the Premier League this summer, and there was strong interest from Everton and Fulham.
Newcastle seemingly explored a deal but will feel very happy with their decision to push for Isak instead.
With Brereton Diaz out of contract next summer, maybe he’s a name for Newcastle to keep tabs on if they want a versatile attacking threat.
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