Southampton 'leading race' to sign former Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers attacker

The 25-year-old spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Bramall Lane, scoring six goals in 16 appearances. Despite his lively displays, the Blades suffered relegation to the Championship.

The club’s fate seemingly killed any chance of a return for Brereton Diaz, who joined Villareal from Blackburn Rovers last year. It appears he could be set for an immediate return to the Premier League, with Southampton believed to be on his trail.

According to TEAMtalk, the Saints are leading the race to secure his signature with Brereton Diaz keen on a move back to English top flight. He faces stern competition in the forward department at Villareal, with Gerard Moreno and Alexander Sorloth ahead of him in the pecking order.

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Southampton are said to be long-term admirers of the forward and reportedly tried to get him on board in January, when they were chasing promotion from the Championship.

It is unclear at this stage whether Villareal would sanction another loan or allow a permanent move if they were to part ways with the frontman. He has three years remaining on his contract, therefore a permanent deal could prove to be expensive.

Brereton Diaz started his professional career at Nottingham Forest, having previously spent time within the youth systems of Manchester United and Stoke City.

He left the City Ground on loan to join Blackburn in 2018, later sealing a permanent switch to Ewood Park and representing the club until his move to Spain. Despite being capped by England at youth level, he represents Chile on the international stage.