SAINTS signing Ben Brereton Diaz insisted he was "excited" for an Adam Armstrong reunion after a spell together at Blackburn Rovers.

Forward Brereton Diaz, 25, became Southampton's eighth addition to the squad this summer when he penned a four-year deal at St Mary's.

The Chilean international played alongside number nine Armstrong for Blackburn Rovers before he made his £15million move to Saints.

Brereton Diaz arrived at Ewood Park from Nottingham Forest in 2018, supporting Armstrong to net 16 and 28-goal seasons before his departure.

Brereton Diaz then took over goalscoring responsibilities with 22 and 14-goal campaigns before he joined Villarreal in 2023.

“I know a few of the boys that I played with at Blackburn,” Brereton Diaz said, having also played alongside Taylor Harwood-Bellis in 2020/21.

“I played with Arma for a couple of years and what an unbelievable lad. He’s done amazing things, scoring goals, he’s a great player and a great person.

"I’m excited to see him. We were both a little bit younger at Blackburn but we played a lot of times together.

"We had a good relationship there and I’m sure we’ll pick up where we left off and have a good relationship here as well.”

Brereton Diaz looks set to start in the attack alongside top scorer Armstrong whatever system manager Russell Martin plays.

He scored six goals in 14 Premier League matches for Sheffield United last season and can operate anywhere across a frontline.

Saints are reportedly still looking to add another attacker and can be flexible on their targets due to his versatility. 

He said: “I don’t mind where I’m playing. I’ll do my best in any position I get put in – right, left, down the middle, it doesn’t really bother me. 

“I got the opportunity to play last season at Sheffield United and it was great for me – my first time in the Premier League and I loved every minute of it.

“As soon as that six months finished, I knew for sure I wanted to come back to England. It gave me a real desire for it.

"I’m happy this great club has chosen to sign me, so I’m really excited. Two years ago I was playing in the Championship.

"Going to play in La Liga and with Chile and in the Europa League, it’s definitely been big steps. I’ve met some great people and played with some great players.

"Every experience has been good for me and just keeps me learning. I’m excited to be down on the south coast for the first time.

"I’ve heard it’s an amazing place to live, so me and my family are really excited to be down here as well.”