According to The Sun, Crystal Palace are planning a January move for Ben Brereton Diaz after Leeds and Everton failed to sign the Blackburn forward.
Crystal Palace plot move for Leeds & Everton target
Well, The Sun believe both Jesse Marsch and Frank Lampard bid for the Chile international before the September 1st deadline, although Blackburn held firm and kept their talisman at Ewood Park.
Now, Patrick Vieira has joined the race.
It is said that the Eagles are keen to add more firepower to their squad after allowing Christian Benteke to join D.C. United over the summer, without finding a replacement for the Belgium international.
Blackburn have tried to tie Diaz – who Tony Mowbray called “amazing” – down to a new contract, although he has rejected all offers so far with his current terms set to expire in July.
That has alerted a number of Premier League sides to the situation, including Leeds and Everton, who remain interested in a deal for the 23-year-old.
Diaz scored 22 goals in 37 Championship appearances last season, and has continued his fine form in front of goal with eight strikes in 16 Championship outings this term, putting him at the top of the scoring charts.
Crystal Palace can sign Zaha replacement in Leeds & Everton target
In our view, Diaz would actually be a decent replacement for Wilfried Zaha at Selhurst Park, with the Ivory Coast international also set to become a free agent in July.
The Blackburn No.22 – like the Crystal Palace No.11 – is capable of playing on the left and right flanks, as well as in the centre of the attack, while both forwards are also very direct attackers.
If Vieira does lose Zaha, and proceeds to scour the market for a replacement next summer, the south Londoners risk putting themselves in a poor negotiating position, as other clubs will be aware of their desperation for a new forward.
Therefore, a cut-price January deal for Diaz would give Crystal Palace much more breathing room when it comes to dealing with Zaha’s future.
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