Blackburn Rovers boss makes Ben Brereton Diaz transfer admission amid Everton links

Blackburn Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has provided a transfer update on the future of reported Everton target Ben Brereton Diaz.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Lancashire side last year, finding the net 22 times in 37 Championship appearances.

Rumoured to cost the Blues around £15m, Diaz has already scored twice this campaign, scoring against both Swansea and West Brom.

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Speaking to Blackburn's official club media, Tomasson said: "I can’t give you an update. He's still smiling, he's been fishing on his day off. He's coping well with a difficult situation for a young boy. He's a great player, I would love it if Ben is staying."

Reports have suggested Diaz is weighing up pre-contract options as he eyes up a move away from the Championship. The Daily Mail claim the 23-year-old has had proposals from Celta Vigo and Nice, with both willing to wait until January.

Valencia and Villarreal are also said to be in the running, while Everton and Fulham are deemed the most likely to try and get a deal over the line before the summer window closes.

Everton have since recruited former Brighton forward Neal Maupay, with the hope he can supply the goals in the absence of Dominic Calvert Lewin.

Whilst Salomon Rondon remains an option, the future around Anthony Gordon still remains unclear, with Chelsea and Tottenham both said to be keen on the player.

Diaz has international pedigree too, turning out 15 times for Chile and netting four times since his debut last year. His current deal with Blackburn is set to expire in June of next summer.

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