Ben Brereton Diaz could now sign for West Ham after source’s reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham could now swoop for Ben Brereton Diaz after verifying his goalscoring form wasn’t a “flash in the pan”.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 23-year-old could be the natural successor to ageing star Michail Antonio at the London Stadium.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday (6 November) that West Ham are plotting a January move for Blackburn Rovers forward Brereton Diaz.
The Chile international is out of contract at the end of the season and the Rovers are willing to sell him in the winter window to avoid losing him for free.
Brereton Diaz has netted nine goals in 21 outings so far this season to follow up last season’s tally of 22 across all competitions.
Whelan suggested the striker has responded to the “question marks” about his ability to step up with his form this season.
When asked if Brereton Diaz could be the successor to Michail Antonio, he told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He could be. He’s been linked with this move for a while.
“But there was still that question mark about him. Teams have now seen the way he’s started for Blackburn, and they’re up the top of the table again.
“That shows that he wasn’t a flash in the pan. He is a consistent goalscorer.
“West Ham have gone out and got Scamacca, but you’re looking to freshen things up with Antonio’s age becoming a factor.
“Brereton Diaz has got good size, he can hold it up and run in behind – and West Ham like to play from wide areas.”
In other news, pundit “surprised” by West Ham controversy as Michail Antonio footage analysed.