Newcastle tipped to sign ‘incredible’ Diaz after reported update – pundit
Ben Brereton Diaz could be “exactly what Newcastle United need” in their relegation dogfight, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 22-year-old’s “incredible” form this term.
The Telegraph reported on 29 December that the Magpies have stepped up their attempts to sign a new striker in the January window following Callum Wilson’s injury this week.
As per Sky Sports (23 December), Brereton Diaz features high up on the list of targets for the Magpies, alongside Iran international Sardar Azmoun.
Whelan claimed Blackburn would not stand in the way of a potential exit for the Chile international.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Is that something the fans will look at and say: ‘Are we preparing for the Championship?’
“He’s had an incredible season so far, he just keeps scoring – 20 goals in the first half of the season is an amazing stat.
“It doesn’t surprise me that Premier League clubs are looking at these goalscorers in the Championship, there are some real gems in there.
“If you can get him at the right price, I don’t think he’ll be held back by Tony Mowbray. Blackburn would probably welcome the cash, but how do they go and replace a Brereton Diaz?
“It’s going to be interesting, but Newcastle’s hand has been forced by Wilson’s injury. If he hits the ground running, he could be exactly what they need next season.”
Brereton Diaz scored his 20th league goal of the season on Wednesday as Blackburn defeated Barnsley.
As revealed by Football Insider injury expert Ben Dinnery on Thursday (30 December), Wilson could be out for at as long as four months if he suffered an Achilles injury during the draw against Man United on Monday.
In other news, pundit predicts Newcastle ‘pushing the boat out’ to complete signing of Premier League star.