Sunderland want Ben Brereton Diaz transfer as condition emerges - report

Sunderland want to sign Southampton forward Ben Brereton Diaz before the 3 February transfer deadline, according to Sky Sports.

The Black Cats remain in the market for attacking reinforcements and it is said that the Saints will only sanction a loan if it includes an obligation-to-buy, with Sheffield United and Blackburn also interested.

The Chilean is understood to favour a return to Sheffield United but Sunderland are currently the only club willing to agree to that condition.

The Wearsiders have already confirmed their first signing as Enzo Le Fee finally arrived from AS Roma after a week-long transfer saga.

Sunderland to seal Ben Brereton Diaz transfer?

The Black Cats' FA Cup exit in a 2-1 defeat against Stoke on 11 January showcased their lack of attacking depth, with Brereton Diaz an option to change that.

His ability to play wide left or centrally would provide Regis Le Bris with several attacking options with the return of Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson also to consider.

Sunderland are just three points off the summit of the Championship and with the additional sprinkle of quality across the squad, it could provide them with just enough to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

The signing of Le Fee already showcased their ambitions for the season and if they were to capture the signature of Diaz, it would be yet another statement signing.

Given his preferred move to Sheffield United could hinge on them meeting Southampton's demands, it could be a race that now favours the Black Cats.

In other Sunderland news, the Black Cats have an easy decision to make on this player.

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