“Looking at a decent transfer fee” – Journalist sends warning to West Ham on potential move for Blackburn Rovers star

Premier League club West Ham United will probably have to fork out a sizeable fee to lure Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz to the London Stadium in the summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke who spoke to Football League World.

The 22-year-old has been in fine form for club and country this term, establishing himself as a real star for Chile at the Copa America last summer before returning to Lancashire and capitalising on that momentum.

Recording 20 goals in 32 appearances this term, the Chilean has been a considerable miss for Tony Mowbray’s men when he has been unavailable, filling the void left by Adam Armstrong and Harvey Elliott admirably.

There has been no shortage of interest in his signature because of his progress this season, with Brighton and Hove Albion previously thought to have been closing in on a deal for his services, though a move to the south coast failed to materialise.

Also the subject of interest from Spanish side Sevilla, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leeds United and the Hammers, he could be set for a move away in the summer, even if Rovers trigger an extension in his contract to keep him at Ewood Park until 2023.

Reporter O’Rourke had a warning for David Moyes’ side though, who were unable to strike a deal for the forward during the winter window.

He said: “He wouldn’t be a free transfer because I think Blackburn will take up the option on his contract.

“And so you’re probably looking at a decent transfer fee to get him considering the season he’s had for Blackburn and Chile.”

The Verdict:

Considering he only has 12 months left on his current terms, it will be fascinating to see how Blackburn handle negotiations this summer because they won’t want to lose their star man this summer,