Leeds United have been given some encouragement in the pursuit of one of their top remaining transfer targets this summer.
The Whites are well known to be in the hunt for four new signings and of them has reportedly informed Elland Road bosses he is keen on the move after talks.
Full-back, central midfield and two new attackers are the positions in which Daniel Farke is still keen to strengthen, with patience now wearing thin among supporters.
It is now over a month since Leeds last made a signing and in that time, Farke‘s two best players Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter have both departed.
Seeing Leeds in action without a replacement for one or both of Summerville and Rutter at West Bromwich Albion is a sight fans will not want to see again, but Friday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday not far away.
Graeme Bailey shares new Jonathan Rowe and Manuel Benson update
In attack, Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe and Burnley’s Manuel Benson have both been earmarked as potential targets.
Leeds launched a £7 million enquiry for Rowe a few weeks ago now, while Benson has recently emerged onto the radar with Burnley in the process of letting several players go.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has given an update on the state of play regarding both players exclusively to LeedsUnited.News, and it would be fair to say it is mixed.
Bailey claims Leeds have now ‘backed away’ from a deal for Rowe with it now clear his preferred destination is Marseille, though Benson is actually keen on a switch to West Yorkshire.
He said: “I am told that Rowe has told Norwich that Marseille is only destination he wants and deal is close, Leeds have backed away.
“Leeds have held talks over Manuel Benson and I am told he wants to move to Elland Road. Norwich, ironically, have also asked as have Sunderland – but Leeds in pole position.”
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Leeds could have one stumbling block in Benson deal
Clearly there is a willingness from both Leeds and Benson’s side to get a deal done, but the one stumbling block could be Burnley.
Burnley are in need of player sales before the end of the window to reduce the numbers in their bloated squad, and comply with P&S.
However, there could well be a reluctance from the Clarets to sell to a potential promotion rival, particularly given how Benson performed in his one and only season at this level.
If Leeds are to get this one over the line, they may have to pay over the odds. It’s hard to say whether it would be worth doing that for a player of Benson’s calibre.
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