Leeds United have been ‘really keen on’ Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz throughout the summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

A new forward is believed to be high up on manager Jesse Marsch’s wish list at this moment in time after Patrick Bamford suffered a string of injury issues last season.

What is the latest news involving Leeds?

The Sun reported last month that Leeds had joined the race for Brereton Diaz’s signature following an outstanding 2021/22 campaign for Rovers.

It’s claimed that La Liga sides Sevilla, Real Betis and Valencia are eager to entice the 23-year-old abroad, while Leeds, Everton and Bournemouth hope the promise of Premier League football is enough to secure his services.

And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has previously informed GiveMeSport how the idea at Leeds is to ‘keep the current squad and to add a striker’ before September’s deadline.

Southampton Che Adams is another option believed to be on the west Yorkshire outfit’s radar, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay confirming the club’s interest in him.

“It’s not a secret that Leeds like him,” Hay said when speaking on his podcast. “It’s a possibility. He looks to me like the type of player who falls into the category of players who might fit.”

What has Jones said about Brereton Diaz?

Jones believes that Brereton Diaz is admired by Leeds alongside Adams, but that Rovers’ £25 million asking price may deter the Whites from making a move for him.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “Brereton Diaz is the other one that they've been really keen on.

“The problem is he's being valued at £25 million, and Leeds just aren't going to go that high at the moment for Brereton Diaz. So, that's why Che Adams is probably still the favourite, if you were to put it in that sense, to join Leeds as the new forward.”

Would Brereton Diaz be a good signing?

Brereton Diaz became a household name due to his impressive exploits for Chile towards the end of 2021 after he switched international allegiance to the South American nation.

And the attacker built on his success last season, registering 21 goals and three assists in 37 appearances across all competitions as his current employers narrowly missed out on a place in the Championship play-offs.

With only one year remaining on his existing contract, though, Brereton Diaz is understandably being targeted by several top-flight clubs, meaning his days at Ewood Park appear to be numbered.