Leeds United could turn to Manuel Benson after Manor Solomon transfer twist
Leeds United have seemingly hit a snag in their attempt to draft Tottenham winger Manor Solomon in on loan but they might already have an alternative lined up given transfer links earlier this summer.
The Israel international looked certain to join the Whites on a season-long loan but reports suggest the deal has stalled as the sides discuss the financial aspect of the move [Shay Lugassi, 26 August].
Solomon and his entourage have not ruled out an alternative destination for the 25-year-old but, if the deal does collapse. Leeds may have the ideal chance to change direction.
Earlier this window, the Whites were linked with a move for Burnley winger Manuel Benson and comments form Clarets boss Scott Parker suggest the opportunity to strike that deal is there.
Parker left Benson out of his matchday squad as Burnley were beaten by Sunderland in the Championship, as speculation persists regarding his future at Turf Moor with Sunderland, Norwich City, and Leeds all linked with a move [Sunderland Echo, 26 August].
Explaining why Benson and several other first-teamers were not involved, the Echo reported Parker as saying: “That’s just where they are in terms of their state and how they see it this year, I decided it was probably best that they weren’t involved.”
Leeds United should move for Manuel Benson
The Whites earned their first three points of the 2024/25 Championship campaign with a 2-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday but now the attention must turn to strengthening the squad before the 30 August deadline.
Daniel Farke has left it late to improve his squad with only four days remaining of the transfer window and he cannot afford any delays in his pursuit to strengthen the side.
Solomon would be an astute signing for Leeds [James Marshment], a player of his quality with determination to succeed in English football after underwhelming spells at Fulham and Tottenham could be the recipe for success this season.
However, the deal would not be permanent and there is the likelihood that he would use his success at Elland Road to engineer a move from Spurs at the end of the season.
A move for Benson, once considered the main target for the Whites [HITC] and a Championship winner with Burnley, who scored 11 goals in 33 appearances on his way to the title that year is the better option.
He failed to impress under Vincent Kompany in the top flight but he knows the Championship inside and out and has proven he can be an influential player for a title-winning side.
Burnley are resigned to the fact they will lose Benson this summer and Leeds can capitalise on the situation and negotiate an affordable fee for the winger.
This deal makes so much more sense for Leeds than the one to sign Solomon and Farke should use this setback in negotiations to kill the move and put all his chips on Benson to be the final piece of the puzzle in his attack.
In other Leeds United news, Clinton Morrison drops his Leeds United promotion verdict live on Sky Sports.
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.