New Leeds United target idolised Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney during childhood

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Leeds United are being linked with a move for Villarreal star Ben Brereton Diaz again as he struggles to find his feet in Spain – and the Chile striker says he used to idolise Wayne Rooney as a child.

Brereton-Diaz, 24, completed a move to Villarreal in the summer after scoring 36 Championship goals over the previous two seasons. But in Spain, the star is really struggling to find the goalscoring touch.

He thought he scored earlier this month, in the dying moments against Sevilla – winning the game 2-1. Only for the goal to be harshly ruled out. This weekend, Brereton Diaz’s Villarreal take on Real Madrid.

It comes after Brereton Diaz was deemed as “one to watch” as Leeds could look to enter the January window for fire power, potential loan signings. Team Talk say Villarreal are willing to send him on loan.

Leeds are not alone in pursuit of the striker. Crystal Palace, Burnley, Leicester, Southampton and West Brom are also said to be keeping tabs. Leeds have of course been linked with him in the past, too.

Leeds target Ben Brereton Diaz idolised Wayne Rooney as a child

Speaking to The Mail ahead of this weekend’s clash against Real Madrid, Brereton Diaz shared how he used to idolise Manchester United icon Rooney. Brereton Diaz spent much of his youth at Old Trafford.

“When I was younger I used to watch Wayne Rooney playing for Manchester United. The goals and the aggression – what talent he had,” Leeds target Brereton Diaz said, speaking this week in an interview.

Putting Manchester United rivalry aside, Brereton Diaz would be a wonderful signing for Leeds if we could get him. But even though he is struggling at Villarreal, he is still playing a largely key role.

It is unlikely they would want to let him go, or at least, without bringing in a replacement. Brereton Diaz will feel he can still make it at Villarreal and clearly, there are signs he can do – his disallowed goal.

Leeds do have options in attack. Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and Mateo Joseph supplying back-up to Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter. But if one or two of those three go, maybe Brereton Diaz could come in.