Blow for West Ham as Aston Villa reportedly line up move to sign 23-year-old attacker for £20 million

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Aston Villa could now challenge West Ham in the race to sign Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz before transfer deadline day.

That’s according to Sun reporter Alan Nixon who claimed on his Patreon channel (29/08) that West Ham and Aston Villa are trying to sign the 23-year-old forward, alongside Everton, Southampton and Brighton.

READ…Report: West Ham have just made £13 million bid for ‘unbelievable’ 24-year-old

Hammers boss David Moyes has already strengthened his centre-forward ranks this summer with the addition of Gianluca Scamacca.

It could be argued that West Ham need one more forward, however, if we are to remain competitive on all fronts this season.

Brereton Diaz would be a very smart addition for West Ham but Aston Villa entering the race will make our task that little bit harder.

Blackburn are said to be demanding £20 million for the Chile international as well (Sun reporter Alan Nixon). That is fairly ridiculous, considering the fact that he will be out of contract at Ewood Park next summer.

So hopefully Moyes will be able to pick him up for cheaper than that, as long as Villa don’t get there first…

Aston Villa to challenge West Ham for Brereton Diaz

Alan Nixon has claimed on his Patreon channel (29/08) that the Hammers and Villa could be set to battle it out for the Blackburn forward over the next couple of days.

Everton, Southampton and Brighton allegedly want to sign him as well.

We think that Moyes should sign the 23-year-old, as long as he is available for a lot less than the £20 million fee being reported. And missing out on him to Aston Villa would be a big blow as far as we’re concerned.

We think that Brereton Diaz is a very solid player and will be a strong signing for whichever club wins the race for his signature this summer.

Brereton Diaz has really impressed since the start of the 2021/22 campaign and he seems to have reached another level entirely for Blackburn.

The Chile international has bagged 22 goals in 37 Championship games (Transfermarkt). Diaz actually went nine games without scoring after the new year but made up for that with a couple of goals in Blackburn’s final four games of the season.

And he has begun this campaign with two goals and one assist in six games.

Brereton Diaz is a hard working striker and standing at 6ft 1in tall, he’s big and strong as well.

Brereton Diaz would provide able competition and cover for Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio at the London Stadium but Aston Villa may well be a big problem for us.

And it remains to be seen where the 23-year-old is plying his trade after the transfer window slams shut this summer.

Read other West Ham news:

Report claims club offer £20 million England international to West Ham

Club chief admits West Ham have made a bid to sign his ‘brilliant’ £10 million star