Wolves
Premier League • England
Wolves transfer news: Ben Brereton Diaz interest stepped up as Blackburn name price and three other suitors fade from picture
Wolves are right at the front of the queue to sign Ben Brereton Diaz after a report revealed they are ready to act after learning Blackburn Rovers’ asking price for the Chile international.
Bruno Lage’s side go into Saturday’s Premier League opener against Leeds without the services of frontman Raul Jimenez. The Mexican faces around a month on the sidelines with a knee injury, sustained in pre-season. And with Fabio Silva leaving the club on a season’s loan, Lage has something of a lack of options in attack.
As it stands, South Korean forward Hwang Hee-chan looks likely to lead the attack at Elland Road. He scored in the same fixture last season so there are no fears about picking him.
However, the lack of options off the bench is of concern to Lage, particularly with the five substitute rule coming into affect this season.
To redress that balance, Wolves are reported to have made an enquiry to Blackburn over Brereton Diaz.
And according to Football League World, the Championship side have told Wolves that they value the striker at £20m.
The 23-year-old scored 22 times for Rovers last season as they threatened to push for promotion. Ultimately, their challenge fizzled out, but for Brereton Diaz, the season was something of a personal triumph.
His tally in the division was only bettered by Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dominic Solanke. And Brereton Diaz also established himself as a regular in the Chile national set-up.
But with just a year left on his deal, Blackburn now they will have little option but to sell their star man.
Ben Brereton Diaz ready for step up into Premier League
He has been the subject of some speculation already this summer. Indeed, our exclusive revealed that Wolves were keen on the player back on June 1. Leeds, West Ham and Sevilla have also been linked as well.
However, it is Wolves who now lead that race with Lage ready to act on Blackburn’s valuation. The Championship side are willing to sell if their asking price is met so negotiations could prove easy for the Molineux men.
Truth be told, Brereton Diaz is ready to make that step up to the Premier League.
Having played international football for Chile, he will not be afraid of the step-up in standards.
And a move to Wolves appears to be the perfect move for him. He will likely get plenty of game time, which will be at the forefront of his thinking.
Furthermore, the style of play Wolves play will suit his attacking instincts. And he will undoubtedly get his chance to shine thanks to the new Premier League substitutes rule.
Lage has made two signings so far this summer with Nathan Collins signing from Burnley, while Hwang has made his loan move from RB Leipzig into a permanent move.