Sources: Southampton respond as Derby County make new Brereton-Diaz move
Derby County have made a new enquiry to sign Southampton forward Ben Brereton-Diaz, sources have told Football Insider.
Brereton-Diaz spent last season on loan at Pride Park and helped John Eustace's side push for a top-six finish in the second tier.
He has emerged onto their radar once more this summer after impressing Eustace, with the Rams aiming to complete another loan deal before next week's deadline.
The two clubs remain apart on agreeing a move, however, as Southampton only want to sell him permanently.
They are looking to receive £3.5million to part ways with Brereton-Diaz, with his current contract set to run until June 2028.
Derby's need for new attacking signings has been heightened by their slow start to the new season, with one draw and two losses in their three competitive games so far.
Derby want Southampton to compromise as new move explored for Ben Brereton-Diaz
The Chilean international registered eight goals and three assists in 41 appearances for Derby last season as they eventually finished eighth in the Championship.
He has struggled to nail down a spot in Southampton's starting eleven since joining from Villarreal in 2024, with just 17 appearances for the club in the last two years.
The 27-year-old forward featured for an hour in their Carabao Cup win at Colchester in early August, then came off the bench in their Championship opener at Watford, but missed out on the matchday squad against Stoke last time out.
Rams manager Eustace admitted that Brereton-Diaz was "terrific" in his side last season earlier this summer, while hinting at giving the green light for the club to look to sign him for a second time.
Derby have now made an initial enquiry about his availability as they explore the conditions of a deal, but a compromise will need to be reached to reach a full agreement over a move.
Celtic considering move for Southampton defender Yukinari Sugawara
Southampton have let a host of first-team stars leave the club since last season ended, with more exits planned before the 1 September deadline.
As Brereton-Diaz is linked away, sources have also exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Celtic are keen on signing Saints full-back Sugawara.
The Japanese international is not in Tonda Eckert's plans for this season after spending last term on loan at Bundesliga club Werder Bremen.