Newcastle United and Leeds United ‘fall behind’ in race to sign in-form star

La Liga side Sevilla are ‘in pole position’ to sign reported Newcastle United transfer target Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Blackburn Rovers striker has been linked with a move to St James Park on a number of occasions over the last year after rising to prominence with the Championship clubs and during a productive introduction to international duty with Chile.  The 23-year-old was a surprise inclusion in the Chilean during last year’s Copa America but has gone on to become a firm favourite by netting four goals in 14 caps.

That form translated into his league form with Rovers as the former England Under-20 striker plundered his way to 22 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions last season and he looks well on his way to matching that tally after scoring eight goals in the opening months of the current campaign.

Addressing his future earlier this month, as speculation over a possible move away from Ewood Park intensified, Brereton Diaz said: “Everyone was asking questions, but I want to focus on football.  I’m playing for Rovers, I’ve got a Rovers shirt on, I love playing football.  I just want to be out there, playing for Rovers with a smile on my face and winning for the club.

“These past few years I’ve really enjoyed myself, and even the first few years when I wasn’t playing, I enjoyed myself, looking up to the likes of Danny Graham and Arma (Adam Armstrong). Since I’ve been here I’ve really enjoyed myself and I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.”

Football Insider have reported a whole host of clubs have shown an interest in the striker - but have suggested Sevilla are the current frontrunners to secure his signature.  Premier League trio Everton, Leeds United and Fulham also remain interested after having bids rejected by Rovers during the summer transfer window.

The report also claims the Championship club will ‘listen to offers’ for Diaz in January, rather than facing the prospect of losing him on a free transfer when he contract comes to a close at the end of the season.