Leeds United: Journalist has urged club to steer clear of Diaz signing

Journalist James Marshment doesn’t feel Leeds United should think about signing Ben Brereton Diaz.

According to Football Insider Leeds hold a ‘long-term’ interest in the striker and sent scouts to watch the Chilean sharp-shooter in action in a recent friendly for Blackburn.

The 23-year-old could well be the frontman that the Whites decide to bring in with Phil Hay relaying that manager Jesse Marsch still has a striker on the wishlist this summer.

However, with links to Arnaud Kalimuendo, Martin Terrier and Charles De Ketelaere who appears to be the first choice target in attack, Marshment has admitted that settling for Brereton Diaz would be ‘underwhelming’.

Speaking on the JustJoe Football Show he said: “For me, of all the strikers we’re looking at, he’d be bottom of the list of players who we’re currently linked with as an option.

“He’s had a good season, 22 goals in 37 games.

“His form tailed off and then so too did Blackburn’s, so it’s a bit underwhelming, if I’m honest with you.

“Truth be told, he’s got a year left on his deal now. If they received, I reckon anything around £15m, he would go.

“There’s West Ham sniffing around him, Everton sniffing around him. I’d like to think he’s more at Everton’s level than ours.” 

TIF Thoughts on Brereton Diaz and Leeds…

Marshment’s valuation perhaps does seem reasonable saying as the Rovers are thought to be seeking £20m and despite the journalist’s pessimism perhaps he is a viable option worth exploring.

The 14-cap Chile ace was labelled a ‘beast’ by his former manager Tony Mowbray and as well as showing his worth in the Championship he has bagged three goals in seven World Cup qualifiers including against Argentina back in January.

He could well be worth the risk and given the likely finances involved it would be a low-risk move at that.