West Ham United have been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz this summer, amid the club's search for a new centre-forward.

What's the word?

Reports back in May suggested that the Hammers were leading the race for the Chile international, with the 23-year-old attracting attention following what has been a real breakthrough last few seasons for both club and country.

Amid that interest, respected journalist Alan Nixon has now provided an update on the situation regarding the former Nottingham Forest man, hinting that the player's potential price tag - which could be as much as £20m - may be holding up the deal.

Responding to questions on Twitter about the impressive marksman, the transfer insider - while not directly referring to West Ham - stated: "Price putting buyers off … just now".

Newman must act

If that £20m figure is accurate, it would seemingly represent a notable mistake were David Moyes and co to opt against a deal due to the fee, with that potential asking price seemingly a mere snip for a player who has been in prolific form of late.

Dubbed "extraordinary" by former Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, the 6 foot 1 machine enjoyed a real standout campaign during the 2021/22 season, netting 22 goals in the Championship alone for the Ewood Park outfit.

That tally was only bettered by Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke (29) and the record-breaking haul of 43 goals from Fulham talisman, Aleksandar Mitrovic, showcasing just how impressive a campaign it was for the £14.4m-rated starlet.

Equally, at international level, the Stoke-born gem continues to rubberstamp his importance to the South American outfit, having scored four goals in just 14 appearances thus far, notably netting twice in only six games during World Cup qualification.

While the recent speculation is that GSB are plotting moves for Chelsea's Armando Broja and Sassuolo ace Gianluca Scamacca, in Brereton Diaz the club could well find a potentially cheaper alternative who clearly possesses a golden touch in front of goal.

The Irons have already worked wonders plucking the likes of Jarrod Bowen from the second tier in recent years, with Moyes now needing transfer chief Rob Newman to pull off a similar move for that of the Blackburn menace.

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