Sheffield United eye transfer for struggling Southampton forward | OneFootball

Southampton star Ben Brereton Diaz is linked with a transfer back to Sheffield United. It would actually be an upgrade for the player.

Southampton are the worst team in England right now. Obviously, the points tally speaks for itself but the Saints are not playing like a team who wants to improve their league position.

Ivan Juric is a very likeable guy and I don't doubt that he was the right appointment by the Southampton owners but he isn't a miracle worker. He will need to reshuffle his squad in the January transfer window.

Unfortunately for Southampton fans, this doesn't only mean incomings. Indeed, the Saints faithful must prepare for players exiting St Marys Stadium, which hopefully allows for players to head in the other direction.

Sheffield United eye transfer for struggling Southampton forward

According to a transfer update from Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports, Sheffield United are interested in a move for Ben Brereton Diaz. This would see him return to the club after spending a successful period on loan with the Blades.

It was with Sheffield United where Ben Brereton Diaz made a name for himself. In 14 Premier League appearances, the Stoke-born striker netted on six occasions. This is six more goals than he's managed with the Saints (0) since being signed.

Unfortunately, Brereton Diaz has been forced to make most of his Premier League appearances from the bench this season. He has only started in four league matches but he's come off the bench in six separate games.

So, it is understandable why Sheffield United would like to make a move for him, if circumstances allow. The claim from Thomas does not address whether the Blades are eyeing a permanent transfer or a loan move.

In his own words, Thomas said: "Sheffield United are interested in a return to the club for Ben Brereton Diaz, who is yet to score for Southampton since signing from Villarreal in the summer."

I would assume that Southampton are open to letting Ben Brereton Diaz go. After all, they have not used him and Juric clearly prefers the likes of Paul Onuachu in his place.

For Brereton Diaz, he obviously has history at Sheffield United. On paper, moving down a league in the football pyramid seems like a downgrade but with the way things are going, Sheffield United are a dead cert for the Premier League next season, with Southampton moving the other way.