Southampton have been busy ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1 as they look to shape their squad to the liking of their new manager, Will Still, to make a return to the Premier League.
The future of Ben Brereton Diaz at Southampton has been questioned, as there have been several clubs linked to the Chilean international and adding him to their squad.
Southampton have recently lost Mateus Fernandes to West Ham; however, the Saints were quick to bring in a replacement for the Portuguese midfielder.
While they lost Tyler Dibling to Everton, the Saints managed to secure one of the most creative players in the Championship, bringing Finn Azaz to the club from Middlesbrough.
Finn Azaz celebrating for Middlesbrough against Hull City.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
This business does not seem to be nearing an end until they are forced to by the window shutting, and so Southampton fans will be keen to hear where Brereton Diaz will be playing his football this season.
Southampton are unlikely to strengthen their Championship rivals
West Brom, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United have been linked with making a deal to sign Brereton Diaz this summer to help aid their chances of promotion this campaign.
As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis understands Southampton do not want to strengthen their Championship rivals before the close of the transfer window.
He said: “I’d be very surprised if Southampton were to bolster any of their promotion rivals, but you never know.
Ben Brereton Dias for Southampton
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Again, I think this one comes down to the final days of the window. All those clubs [West Brom, Sheffield United, and Middlesbrough] are keen on forwards.
“But you’d have thought Sheffield United would have done this sooner if they were keen.”
Chris Wilder was a huge fan of Brereton Diaz
The Chilean forward was brought in by the former Sheffield United manager, Chris Wilder, last season for their pursuit of promotion last season.
Sheffield United were unable to achieve this aim, and Wilder would be replaced by Ruben Selles, and this may help explain why the Blades have not made an approach for Brereton Diaz.
Wilder was a huge fan, as he explained to the Southern Daily Echo, as he said: “Ben’s got that ability to stretch and run.
“He can play off the left, he can play off the right, can play down the middle. He’s a fantastic signing.”