Sheffield United interested in forward but player set to brush interest aside

Sheffield United are already preparing plans for the summer with reports suggesting they’re interested in Villarreal loanee Ben Brereton-Diaz. However, the Chilean striker’s preference for a return to La Liga has added an intriguing twist.

Brereton-Diaz, currently on loan with the Blades, sought regular first-team action when he made the move from Blackburn Rovers to Villarreal last summer. Unfortunately, opportunities in the Spanish top-flight were scarce, leading to his loan spell in England.

Despite his limited time at Sheffield United, the 24-year-old has made a notable impact, finding the net four times in just eight Premier League appearances. His dynamism and goal-scoring prowess have not gone unnoticed, sparking interest from the Blades for a permanent move.

However, Brereton-Diaz’s summer plans seem to align more with a return to Villarreal, where he aims to carve out a place in the squad for the upcoming season, per The Sun.

Sheffield United have a break in order to eat at sunset during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Sheffield United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 4, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) 

Sheffield United want to retain Brereton-Diaz this summer

The Blades’ desire to secure the forward’s services permanently is understandable, given his contributions during his loan spell. Yet, their precarious position in the Premier League standings, sitting at the bottom and facing the prospect of relegation, complicates matters.

If Sheffield United were to avoid relegation, they’d undoubtedly be in a much stronger position to acquire Brereton-Diaz in the summer, but that prospect looks extremely unlikely now.