Leeds United attended Blackburn Rovers’ friendly match against Accrington Stanley on Saturday, Football Insider reports, to watch prolific striker Ben Brereton Díaz in action.
He is reportedly a player of ‘long-time interest’ for Leeds, and had a fantastic season last year, scoring 22 goals in 37 games in the Championship.
Brereton Díaz celebrates scoring against Preston Action Images/Craig Brough
He shot to international recognition after switching his international allegiance to Chile so he could represent his mother’s country of birth, having previously been known as simply ‘Ben Brereton’. He has, so far, earned 14 caps for Chile, scoring 4 goals, including in the Copa América, scoring the winner against Bolivia.
Before this switch, he represented England, being born in Stoke-on-Trent, scoring 5 goals for the under-18s.
Brereton celebrates during a World Cup Qualifier against Paraguay REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo
With his contract up in 2023, Leeds may be able to negotiate a lower fee for the striker than one might expect, as he could leave for free at the end of the season if a paid transfer doesn’t occur either this summer or in January.
A player that knows English football, and one that has an incredible eye for goal, this seems to be a signing that just makes sense for a Leeds United side with a need for a senior natural striker, since Patrick Bamford’s injury worries last year caused players such as Dan James to play in a role they weren’t used to or proficient in.