Former Leeds United target Ben Brereton Diaz is reportedly set to be allowed to leave Villarreal in January.
That is according to Team Talk, who report that the La Liga side are willing to sanction on a loan deal for Brereton Diaz just a matter of months after his summer arrival.
The 24-year-old joined Villarreal on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Blackburn Rovers, who paid £7 million to sign him from Nottingham Forest in 2019.
Having been handed only two league starts, Brereton Diaz is still yet to open his account for Villarreal, and his start to the season could see him moved on already.
As per Team Talk, it is said that Premier League sides Burnley and Crystal Palace are interested in a January move for the Chile international, as well as Championship trio Leicester City, Southampton and West Brom.
Leeds should stay away from Brereton Diaz despite loan reports
Aside from his exploits with Chile, Brereton Diaz’s form over the last 12 months has been poor and if Leeds are to make any signings in January, they need to be ready to hit the ground running.
Including a 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on November 5, 2022, Brereton Diaz has scored just six league goals, a run which spans 32 matches.
Those sort of numbers are going to get him no where near from breaking into Leeds’ front four, and his lack of impact off the bench at Villarreal is clear evidence that he isn’t a great impact sub either.
He has been playing primarily off the left-hand-side over the last few months and Leeds are absolutely stacked for wingers who prefer that flank. Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony are all better there.
So, with that in mind, Brereton Diaz would represent a waste of a loan spot. If Leeds are going to bolster their attack in January, the only position they should be looking at is the number 10.
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