Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will feel aggrieved with target Manuel Benson now ‘closer than ever’ to Southampton
It looks as if Daniel Farke and Leeds United are set to miss out on the signing of Manuel Benson, who would have proved a very useful addition to the squad.
Not only do the Whites look set to miss out on a player they were at one point described as favourites to sign, but they look set to lose out to one of their main promotion rivals, Southampton.
Just one point separates the two sides, with Southampton sitting just ahead of Leeds in third place while also boasting a game in hand.
Both clubs are breathing down the necks of Ipswich Town who currently sit second, and it appears that the Saints may have gained an edge over their West Yorkshire rivals in the race for automatic promotion.
That is because Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed via his official X platform (28 January) that Burnley winger Benson is now “closer than ever” to joining the south coast club.
Burnley and Southampton are locked in “concrete” talks over a deal which would see the player join up with Russell Martin’s men on loan with an option to buy, with Benson himself in favour of the move.
This latest twist arrives just a few days after Tavolieri himself had reported, once again via his official X account (25 January), that Leeds were “pushing” to get a deal for Benson agreed, with Hull City live suggesting online (26 January) that Farke’s side were at the front of the queue for the player’s signature.
With multiple promotion-chasing sides in the Championship interested, Benson has clearly had his pick of clubs, and it appears that the 26-year-old might have made his choice, much to the annoyance of those at Elland Road.
His form in the Championship with Burnley last season suggests that he could be a very useful asset to whichever club he ends up playing his football with for the rest of the season.
The Belgian scored 13 goals and provided three assists across the 2022/23 Championship campaign as Burnley stormed to the title.
While he has struggled for game time in the Premier League this season, he is certainly a player full of quality who will be eager and motivated to get back on the pitch and show everybody what he is capable of.
With that hunger and quality combined, his arrival at Southampton could make the difference in who finishes second in the Championship come May, and who is forced to target a Premier League return via the dreaded play-offs.
In other Leeds United news, the club could be without one of Farke’s favourites against Bristol City.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.