Premier League side Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign Blackburn Rovers centre-forward Ben Brereton Diaz.
As per The Sun, Everton are among the three Premier League clubs pursuing Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz. Leeds United and Bournemouth are also showing interest in the Chilean international, who is also on the radar of a few La Liga clubs.
Brereton Diaz joined Blackburn Rovers from Nottingham Forest in 2018 on a loan deal, with the move made permanent just six months later. The 23-year-old took his own sweet time settling into the new club, scoring just two league goals in his first two seasons with Blackburn.
He saw an improvement in his performances the following term, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in the league. But the striker came into his own in the recently-concluded season, slamming 22 goals in 37 Championship games. His striking performances were sure to attract attention with both English and Spanish clubs now lining up for him. Everton, Bournemouth and Leeds United are said to be the three English clubs monitoring his situation.
Along with the three aforementioned Premier League sides, Sevilla, who can offer UEFA Champions League football next season, Real Betis, who are into the Europa League, and Valencia have all shown interest in the Chilean international, but no club has yet made an official approach.
The 23-year-old’s contract was coming to an end this month, but Blackburn activated a one-year extension in his contract. However, Blackburn are aware that they still run the risk of losing him on a free transfer next season and are thus reportedly ready to sell him for around £13 million.
West Ham United were linked with a move for Brereton Diaz as well, but David Moyes is focused on getting a striker with some top-level experience under his belt. Brighton & Hove Albion too were reportedly interested, but they are unlikely to pursue him seriously this summer.
This leaves Everton, Leeds and Bournemouth, along with three La Liga sides, vying for the Chile international’s signature. It will be interesting to see if the youngster leaves Blackburn to join a Premier League club or if he moves to La Liga instead.
