Brereton Diaz an option to replace Wilson

NEWCASTLE United are reportedly ready to move for Blackburn forward Ben Brereton Diaz as they look to replace injured hitman Callum Wilson.

The transfer window is now open and the Magpies are keen to strengthen their squad in a number of areas this month.

A forward was not considered to be a priority until a few days ago, when England forward Wilson went off injured during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Head coach Eddie Howe revealed in his post-match press conference that it ‘does not look good’ and he ‘feared the worst for him’ heading into the second half of the season.

With a relegation fight on their hands and plenty of cash to spend, United could make a move for Chilean international Brereton Diaz, who has scored 20 goals in the Championship this season.

Leeds United and Southampton have also been linked with the 22-year-old, who has stepped up well after former Magpies forward Adam Armstrong swapped Ewood Park for St Mary’s in a £25million summer switch.

Brereton Diaz’s excellent run of form seemed to begin when he was called up to the Chile squad for the first time after adopting his mother’s maiden name before the start of the Copa America.

Since then, the Stoke-born striker has become a South American star and is second only to former Magpie Aleksander Mitrovic in the Championship goalscoring charts.

Brereton Diaz’s hot streak has helped Rovers to third in the second tier and Tony Mowbray’s side will be keen to keep its attacking talisman.

However, the forward’s deal is believed to expire in the summer, meaning a cut-price deal could be an option this month.

Meanwhile, Peruvian playmaker Rodrigo Vilca’s loan stint with Doncaster Rovers has been terminated.

The 22-year-old scored twice in 13 appearances with the League One side but has returned to Tyneside at his own request.

Alianza Lima want to take him back to his homeland but the player wants to fight for a place with the Magpies.

Vilca, however, has only featured for the under-23s as a Newcastle player and it is likely the club’s loan manager Shola Amoebi will look to agree another EFL move for the attacking midfielder.

Vilca arrived for around £250,000 in the summer of 2020 and would be eligible to play in the FA Cup third-round clash with Cambridge United.