Leeds United: Door now wide open for Manuel Benson transfer at Elland Road after fresh Southampton twist
The door may now be wide open for Leeds United to seal the signature of Burnley attacker Manuel Benson after a fresh twist at Southampton.
Sky Sports shared on their live transfer centre (23 January, 11:40 am) that the Saints are still desperate to sign a new winger this month and have identified the Burnley forward as two of their top targets ahead of the transfer deadline.
The other target for Leeds’ promotion rivals was Bournemouth’s David Brooks and in a new twist the Saints have moved to agree a deal to sign the Welshman instead of Benson (Fabrizio Romano, 29 January).
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported on 18 January that Benson has been identified as a target for the Whites and was also a target for Southampton but now the door has been left open for Farke’s men to seal his signature after Southampton’s decision.
TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook shared on Monday evening, in response to Romano’s update: “Believe there is not a buy option in this deal Southampton no longer in the market for Manuel Benson.”
Brooks’ signing a major coup for Russell Martin’s men who will now be expected to win that automatic promotion race in the Championship with this signing. The pendulum for the position has certainly swung in their favour.
However, Leeds who are also pushing for the second automatic spot with the Saints and Ipswich Town can make their own statement with Benson’s signing.
Benson proved every bit a success for the Clarets last season as he enjoyed a tremendous campaign for Vincent Kompany’s men in their title-winning campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering three assists from 33 games.
Such a decisive and potent edge in front of goal could well have done Farke’s men the world of good in their push to fulfil their Premier League dreams.
Right now, Crycensio Summerville and Dan James remain the Whites’ only real established and crucial options in attack and both players have suffered injury niggles over the past week, after their absence in the FA Cup fourth-round draw with Plymouth (27 January).
Gnonto is a viable alternative but hasn’t really established himself in the team or through any sort of form this season and Benson would represent a smart, attainable and sensible attacking addition with Leeds still requiring plenty of creativity.
Benson has barely featured for Burnley all season, only being involved in just one matchday squad and looks all set to quit the club in search of game-time which makes him available for Leeds United to make their swoop.
Leeds cannot leave Farke short of attacking options for the second half of the campaign and that’s why they must swoop for Benson’s signature, even if it is on loan.
In other Leeds United news, “significant” new details have emerged amid talks at Elland Road.
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