Sources: Leeds United set sights on January Ben Brereton Diaz deal after new development

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

03 Sep 2022, 2:00 am

Leeds United will explore a January deal for Ben Brereton Diaz after failing in a last-gasp deadline day pursuit, sources have told Football Insider.

The Yorkshire giants made a late approach for the versatile forward, 23, after deals for Nice's Bamba Dieng and PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo collapsed.

Leeds held talks with Blackburn and Diaz's representatives over a deal but were not willing to meet the valuation of £15million plus add-ons.

However, that does not end Leeds' pursuit of the Chile international.

Diaz has made it clear he will not sign a new Blackburn contract after rebuffing their multiple attempts to extend his deal beyond the summer of 2023.

Leeds will continue to keep tabs on the player, who has been playing on the left side of the Rovers attack this season, and will assess the possibility of a January deal.

Football Insider revealed Leeds' interest in Diaz earlier in the summer, with their scouts watching him in a pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley on 9 July.

Blackburn won their battle to keep hold of their prize asset after fending off interest from Premier League and Spanish clubs in the window that has just shut.

Everton and West Ham also made moves for Diaz, while Celta Vigo submitted an offer.

Diaz enjoyed the best season of his career in 2021-22 when he scored 22 goals in 37 Championship games.

He has carried on where he left off last term with his seven Championship matches in the new campaign yielding three goals, all in matches that Rovers won, as well as an assist.

In the previous summer (2021) he emerged as a key player for Chile in their Copa America campaign after switching allegiances to the country of his mother's birth.

In other news, sources: Leeds United agree £3m saving as new details emerge.

Leeds United