'I didn't want to go' - Ben Brereton Diaz reveals why he snubbed Sunderland for Sheffield United

Sunderland have missed out on one of their January transfer targets

Ben Brereton Diaz has revealed why he decided to sign for Sheffield United after completing a loan switch from Southampton. The striker joined on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

The Chilean international had been linked with a move to several Championship clubs over the last few days, including Sunderland. The player is believed to have held talks with the Black Cats who are looking to add some more firepower for a promotion push in the second half of the campaign, having already swooped for Enzo Le Fee.

However, Brereton Diaz decided to rejoin the Blades, having spent last season with them. The striker scored six times in 14 Premier League games for the Bramall Lane outfit but struggled to replicate that form with the Saints this term and has been allowed to depart St Mary's.

The 25-year-old insisted that United were his preferred option despite Sunderland's interest. Both clubs had negotiated a deal with Southampton which included an obligation clause into the deal if they were promoted this season. It is believed the Blades will have to pay £10m to make the deal permanent should they reach the Premier League.

Brereton Diaz said: “It is a club I’ve been at before and really enjoyed and I obviously know the staff and the players that are still here. For me personally, with a young family back in Southampton I didn’t want to go somewhere else unfamiliar, but most importantly I know what the gaffer and his staff are about and I’ve been delighted to see the team doing so well this season.

“For me it was a no brainer to come back. The atmosphere last year was tough at times, but I still enjoyed my football and loved every minute of my time at the club, the fans were brilliant, it is a real family club and there is a connection now which is important. No other club was an option for me.

“Coming back to Sheffield United this time I know I will enjoy it more than the first time, the lads have done unbelievably well and I’m just here to hopefully help the team achieve the goal of promotion.”

Sunderland will now switch their attention to other strike targets, including Stoke City's Tom Cannon. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is keen to add more quality to Regis Le Bris' squad as they seek one of the two automatic promotion spots.

The Black Cats currently sit fourth in the Championship table, two places behind Sheffield United who occupy second spot. Leaders Leeds United are a further point ahead.

Brereton Diaz became something of a pantomime villain with Newcastle fans at the start of the season after an incident involving Magpies defender Fabian Schar in the opening game of the campaign. Schar was sent off after a tussle with the striker.