Southampton Close to £7m Signing of Brereton Diaz

Southampton are nearing a £7m transfer for forward Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal. The 25-year-old Chilean is expected to conclude his brief tenure in Spain and move to St Mary's.

Brereton Diaz joined Villarreal last summer after leaving Blackburn Rovers, where he had spent five years. However, he struggled to make a significant impact at the La Liga club, failing to score in 20 appearances, of which only six were starts.

In January, Brereton Diaz was loaned to Sheffield United, where he scored six goals in 14 Premier League appearances. Despite his contributions, Sheffield United were relegated from the top flight.

Southampton, who secured promotion to the Premier League last season by winning the Championship play-offs, have recently lost Che Adams to Torino on a free transfer. The club has been actively searching for a forward.

Brereton Diaz also participated in Chile's three Copa America matches last month, with La Roja finishing third in Group A behind Argentina and Canada.

In other transfer news, Southampton have agreed to terms with Sao Paulo forward Juan and left-back Wellington. Both players will join Southampton when their contracts with the Brazilian Serie A club expire in January 2025.