Exclusive: Southampton agree deal to sign Diaz

Southampton have agreed a deal to sign Villarreal forward Ben Brereton Diaz on loan, sources have told Football Insider.

The Spanish outfit have now given the green light for the deal, with the Chilean set to undergo a medical and finalise the deal.

Brereton Diaz, 25, will join Southampton on a season-long loan deal ahead of their return to the Premier League after they achieved promotion via the playoffs last time out.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, but could not do enough to save Chris Wilder’s side from relegation.

Southampton agree deal to sign Villarreal striker Ben Brereton Diaz

Brereton Diaz signed for Villarreal in 2023, making the move from Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer after his deal with the Championship side expired.

However, after just one year in which he has made 20 appearances and failed to pick up a single goal or assist in Spain, he is looking to return to England.

His loan spell with Sheffield United last season ended in disappointment, but his record of six goals and one assist in 16 games attracted interest from the Saints.

Southampton have now moved quickly to secure his signature, and have reached an agreement over a loan move.

Following the departure of Che Adams, whose contract at St Mary’s expired earlier this summer, the club made signing a new striker a priority.

Adam Armstrong has established himself as the first-choice number nine under Russell Martin, and Brereton Diaz will expect to push him for a starting role.

Brereton Diaz also has 33 Chile caps to his name and has scored seven times for his country despite being born in Stoke, as he qualifies for international recognition via his mother.

In other news, Jhon Duran is close to joining West Ham following a huge offer.

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