This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

West Ham United are leading the race to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton-Diaz, as per The Sun.

The Chilean international striker's contract at Ewood Park expires this summer, but the club hold an option to trigger a further year.

That means they must cash in on the striker this summer, or risk losing him for free in 2023.

Brereton-Diaz has notched an impressive 22 goals in the Championship this campaign, and according to The Sun, he will set West Ham back £15 million pounds if they want to secure his signature.

With all of the above in mind, we asked three of our writers here at FLW for their thoughts on Brereton-Diaz to West Ham, and whether or not they thought the Chilean would command a starting spot at the London Stadium.

Marcus Ally

He would not start initially, given the consistently strong performances from Michail Antonio this season.

However, if the Hammers are to continue battling on two fronts successfully, with David Moyes working wonders to bring European football to the London Stadium, squad depth needs improving and Ben Brereton Diaz would be a smart addition for that.

If West Ham are in the Europa Conference League next season, then the group stage will be simpler than it was this season for the club in the Europa League.

Providing minutes for fringe players, still with the expectation of progression to the knockout stages, where Brereton Diaz could begin to stake a claim.

At 32, Antonio is not getting any better meaning that the Chilean could be a long term successor in the final third.

 

 

Alfie Burns

Brereton Diaz is going to be a good signing for anyone at some of the prices being floated around.

This is a striker who is entering the summer off the back of a season that would breed confidence into anyone.

When you look at it, a move to someone like West Ham probably is the best suited.

Brereton Diaz wouldn’t be tasked with going into the club as a marquee signing, needed to score goals to keep them in the division. He would instead be someone to come in and support what’s already a very good attack.

So, he probably wouldn’t start many games to begin with, although that could well change as the season stretches on and West Ham compete across all fronts.

Ned Holmes

Ben Brereton Diaz didn’t finish off the season with the same momentum as he started it but you can certainly see why West Ham are interested.

A physical forward that’s happy to do the hard work but has shown himself a clinical finisher with both his head and his feet, there are similarities to Michail Antonio.

You feel he could be well set to play second fiddle to Antonio next term – allowing him some time to get used to the pace of the Premier League.

I can’t see him starting over the current Hammers number nine but by the end of the season it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he was at least challenging for his spot.

West Ham have done some fantastic business with EFL clubs in recent years and landing Brereton Diaz could see that continue.