List Articles

2 reasons why Leeds United simply have to muscle ahead of West Ham for service of forward this January

|
Image for 2 reasons why Leeds United simply have to muscle ahead of West Ham for service of forward this January

It seems Leeds United could face something of a battle for the services of Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton-Diaz in the January transfer window.

The Elland Road club were reported to have made an inquiry for the Chile international in the final hours of the summer market, although no deal came to fruition.

However, they are not the only ones who appear to be keen on the 23-year-old, with it also being claimed that West Ham are prioritising a January move for the Blackburn man.

So with that in mind, we’ve taken a look at two reasons Leeds should be doing all they can to beat the Hammers to the signing of Brereton-Diaz, right here.

The need for a striker

There were big questions asked of Leeds at the end of the summer window, after the club failed in their attempts to bring in a senior striker.

With Patrick Bamford continuing to struggle for form and fitness this season, the absence of a goalscoring centre forward looks to be an issue that still needs to be addressed at Elland Road, if they are to be as competitive as possible in the Premier League.

Given Brereton-Diaz has ten goals already this season to go with the 22 he netted last campaign, he could be a more than useful option to help do that job, and it would show a statement of intent from the Leeds board to land such an in demand striker, that could ease the frustrations of the summer window.

A boost in the relegation battle

Like Leeds, it is fair to say that West Ham have endured a rather below par campaign in the Premier League this season.

While Jesse Marsch’s side are currently 15th in the table, two points clear of the relegation zone, the Hammers are one position and one point worse off in the top-flight standings.

As a result, whoever wins a potential race for Brereton-Diaz in January, would not only be strengthening their own squad, but preventing a clear rival from doing the same. With those sort of fine margins likely to be crucial in staying up, that could make securing the signature of the Blackburn striker absolutely vital.

Is Brereton-Diaz the right January target for Leeds?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Share this article

UCLan Sports Journalism graduate. Have been working for Leeds All Over since summer 2020, and can only be found writing on Football League World.