Brereton Diaz 'close' to Blades move - Wilder

The latest of Ben Brereton Diaz's 10 league appearances came in defeat to Aston Villa on 7 December

Sheffield United are 'close' to bringing striker Ben Brereton Diaz back to Bramall Lane, according to Blades boss Chris Wilder.

Brereton-Diaz was in the stands to watch United's 2-0 win over Norwich which sent them back to the top of the Championship.

The 25-year-old striker spent the second half of last season on loan with the Blades from La Liga side Villareal.

"It's pretty close, and we're pretty close to a couple of others so we're in a good place at the moment," Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"I like to think there's a reason why Ben wants to come and a reason why the other boys want to come .

"They've seen today the atmosphere at the game, they've seen the support that we've had, and most importantly for them is the way we play. They're coming into a good team."

Chile international Brereton Diaz joined Southampton for £7m in the summer but has made just four starts in the Premier League and is without a goal for the Saints in 13 appearances this season.

But he scored six times in 14 top-flight games last term for the South Yorkshire side.

"I said to the players before the game we'll get players back from injury and we'll get players in to support what they have done this season," Wilder added.

"It's a fabulous effort. Nothing won, but this is where we need to be at our strongest going into the final 19 games of the season."