Leeds United ‘are weighing up a move for Blackburn winger Ben Brereton’ after dazzling for Chile

Leeds United are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton this summer after his impressive displays for Chile at the Copa America, according to reports.

Brereton’s stock is high after his shock call up to the Chile squad before scoring in just his second game to inspire a 1-0 win over Bolivia, and now his displays could be rewarded with a move to the Premier League, with Leeds keen to bolster their squad with a new winger, as reported by Chilean outlet RedGol.

The 22-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at Ewood Park and the club could be forced to consider a sale or risk losing him on a free transfer next year. Leeds are now ready to pounce, with boss Marcelo Bielsa a long-time admirer of Brereton, the report adds.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa (R) wants to bring Ben Brereton to the club, reports claim

It claims Brereton has been on the Argentine’s radar since he featured against his Leeds side for Blackburn in the Championship two years ago – with the pair set to meet again at a pre-season friendly on July 28. 

Bielsa managed Chile for four years between 2007 and 2011 and has connections in the country. Blackburn are already attempting to discuss renewal terms with Brereton as they look to ‘shield’ him from interested parties, it continues. 

Brereton enjoyed a superb campaign for Rovers last season, playing 43 times and scoring seven goals, although he wasn’t able to haul his side up the table and they ended up finishing 16th.

Brereton’s stock is high after scoring for Chile in his second game after his shock call-up

He enjoyed a great campaign with Blackburn Rovers, scoring seven Championship goals

But his individual displays were enough to win a call-up from Chile manager Martin Lasarte, who has played him three times. He made his debut in a 1-1 draw against Argentina off the bench before starting and scoring against Bolivia. He was then picked in the line-up for the 1-1 draw against Uruguay. 

Brereton qualifies to play for Chile through his mother and goes by Ben Brereton Diaz while on international duty because Spanish names use both the father’s and mother’s last name.

But while he is starting to bond with his new team-mates, Brereton still hasn’t fully got to grips with the language and admits he is trying to learn ‘key words’ to help him communicate.

Brereton’s Spanish is limited but is learning key words to communicate with team-mates

‘I have been learning key words,’ he said, as per the Lancashire Telegraph. ‘They also provided me with the basic football words, and my understanding with my teammates has been very good.

‘Everyone has received me very well, both players and coaching staff.

‘Obviously, I have talked more with (Watford defender) Francisco Sierralta, who speaks very good English and plays in the same division as me.

‘I have also spoken a lot with Sebastián Vegas, because I was with him the first night, and he also speaks very good English, but, in general, I have got along well with everyone.’