Newcastle United and West Ham United are expected to make a final decision this week on bidding for Blackburn Rovers hitman Ben Brereton Diaz.
That’s according to The Sunday Mirror (23/01, p72), who claim that Brereton Diaz is on the wish lists of both clubs this month.
It’s claimed that Newcastle and West Ham both scouted Brereton Diaz against Hull City in midweek ahead of making moves.
With the deadline coming up next Monday, Newcastle and West Ham are now believed to be finalising their decisions in the coming days.
Both teams are desperate for more attacking firepower before the window slams shut.
Newcastle have already raided one East Lancashire club for a striker having snapped up Chris Wood from Burnley.
Adding Brereton Diaz would give Newcastle a speedy option to work off Wood whilst giving the Magpies a striker to build around in the future.
West Ham are chasing another option to support Michail Antonio and simply have to come out of this window with another striker.
It’s a year since West Ham sold Sebastien Haller to Ajax, and the Ivorian hitman still hasn’t been replaced.
Brereton Diaz would certainly help West Ham’s striking options, though the £25million asking price may be an issue.
Brereton Diaz, 22, has been simply ridiculous for Rovers this season, smashing 20 goals in 27 Championship games.
Formerly of Nottingham Forest, it has taken Brereton Diaz a while to really hit the goal trail in the Championship.
Now thriving – especially since switching to play for Chile at international level – Brereton Diaz looks destined for the Premier League.
Blackburn are pushing for promotion this season, which may well mean they’re a little difficult to deal with over their star striker.
Yet with Leeds backing away according to The Express, it looks like it’s a straight fight between Newcastle and West Ham for Brereton Diaz.
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