Sheffield United are already preparing plans for the summer with reports suggesting they’re interested in Villarreal loanee Ben Brereton-Diaz. However, the Chilean striker’s preference for a return to La Liga has added an intriguing twist.

Brereton-Diaz, currently on loan with the Blades, sought regular first-team action when he made the move from Blackburn Rovers to Villarreal last summer. Unfortunately, opportunities in the Spanish top-flight were scarce, leading to his loan spell in England.

Despite his limited time at Sheffield United, the 24-year-old has made a notable impact, finding the net four times in just eight Premier League appearances. His dynamism and goal-scoring prowess have not gone unnoticed, sparking interest from the Blades for a permanent move.

However, Brereton-Diaz’s summer plans seem to align more with a return to Villarreal, where he aims to carve out a place in the squad for the upcoming season, per The Sun.

Sheffield United want to retain Brereton-Diaz this summer

The Blades’ desire to secure the forward’s services permanently is understandable, given his contributions during his loan spell. Yet, their precarious position in the Premier League standings, sitting at the bottom and facing the prospect of relegation, complicates matters.

If Sheffield United were to avoid relegation, they’d undoubtedly be in a much stronger position to acquire Brereton-Diaz in the summer, but that prospect looks extremely unlikely now.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars
MLB announces punishment for Astros' Ronel Blanco over foreign substance
Vikings HC shares big Justin Jefferson contract update
Rafael Nadal switches gears, gives major update on French Open status
DeMar DeRozan confirms desire to return to Bulls
Mavericks defense rises to occasion in Game 5 win vs. Thunder
Steelers to make history in final two months of 2024 season
Packers will play on Thanksgiving with a rare twist in 2024
Steelers veteran reportedly plans to sit out OTAs
Padres pitcher has honest reaction to team getting booed off the field
Athletics place lefty on 15-day IL, transfer infielder to 60-day
Atlanta to be first race of NASCAR's In-Season Tournament
West Point alum made history in his MLB debut with Reds
Heat legend cautions Lakers against hiring JJ Redick
Welcome to the WNBA: Caitlin Clark sets infamous record in debut
Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to blowout win in Game 5 vs. Pacers
Nikola Jokic torches DPOY to lead Nuggets past Wolves in Game 5
Oilers use late heroics to tie Canucks at two games each
Watch: Astros pitcher ejected after foreign substance check