Crystal Palace to launch Ben Brereton Diaz transfer swoop as forward rejects Blackburn contract amid European interest

CRYSTAL PALACE are considering a January move for Blackburn forward Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Chile international, 23, is a free agent in the summer and is being monitored by a number of clubs at home and in Europe.

Reuters

Ben Brereton Diaz has impressed regularly in his three years at Edwood Park[/caption]

Fulham, Leeds and Everton all failed with late bids during the summer window as the Championship side managed to hold onto their star man.

Brereton Diaz has shown no sign of a failed move hurting his form, with eight goals in the second tier so far – including one stunner against Sunderland on Tuesday night.

He is the joint top scorer in the Championship.

Blackburn have offered the former Nottingham Forest star a new deal and are still attempting to agree new terms but have been knocked back each time.

That stance has put clubs on alert ahead of January. Premier League teams may not be able to wait until the end of the season to take the forward on a free transfer.

Talks have been held with a number of clubs in La Liga who are prepared to offer Brereton Diaz a pre-contract in the New Year.

And now the Eagles are considering a swoop. Patrick Vieira was keen to add further bite to his attacking line in the summer but could not get a move over the line.

Christian Benteke was sold without being replaced while both Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta have struggled for goals.

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Edouard has two goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season while Mateta has one in nine.

Everton continue to monitor Brereton Diaz ahead of the window, while Leeds remain interested.

Last month reports emerged that Blackburn were set to turn their attention to Sunderland’s Ross Stewart if they lost Brereton Diaz.

Meanwhile, Palace legend Julian Speroni has returned to the club to join the academy coaching staff.

The former keeper, who made 405 Palace appearances, said: “It’s an honour to be back. Palace is a club that is close to my heart and I am so pleased to be involved once again.”