Leeds United have had a quiet January so far but could be in for a busy final two weeks of the window.
The Whites still have a couple of areas they would like to strengthen, with both full-back positions, a creative attacker and a central defender if Charlie Cresswell leaves still on the agenda.
Full-back is without doubt the most important for Leeds to strengthen this month but the last 24 hours has reportedly seen them ramp up their pursuit of a left-footed right-winger.
It is said that Leeds are now pushing to sign one of Burnley’s stars from their Championship title winning campaign Manuel Benson, who scored 12 goals in the league last season.
However, Leeds have been dealt a potential blow in their pursuit of the 26-year-old, with Hull Live reporting that Benson is actually ‘keen’ on joining promotion rivals Southampton.
Leeds target Benson ‘keen’ on Southampton
The report states that Hull City have actually cooled their interest in signing Benson this month, having opened talks to sign him earlier in the month. They did manage to beat a host of clubs, including Leeds, to Fabio Carvalho, though.
Like Leeds, Southampton are in the market for a new left-footed right-winger and are also said to be battling the Whites for Bournemouth’s David Brooks, if he is available.
However, despite Benson’s reported interest in a move to St. Mary’s, Leeds may actually have an advantage over Southampton due to their relationship with Burnley.
According to the Burnley Express at the beginning of the month, Burnley have no intention of selling Benson to Southampton, after relations ‘soured’ during the summer over a transfer for Nathan Tella.
It will be interesting to see what Benson’s stance is on a potential move to Leeds, given they are in a similar position in the table to the Saints.
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