Leeds United looking at signing ‘electric’ Burnley attacker before deadline day

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Leeds United could look towards one of their promotion rivals Burnley as a way to strengthen their squad in the next couple of weeks.

The Whites and Burnley are the two clear favourites to return to the Premier League this term, though it was the latter who put down an early marker on the opening weekend of the season.

Following Leeds’ 3-3 draw at home to newly promoted Portsmouth, Burnley dispatched fellow relegated side Luton Town 4-1 at Kenilworth Road, in what was a very impressive performance.

However, just like at Elland Road 12 months ago, there is still a chance Burnley lose some players in the final two weeks of the window, partly due to how bloated their squad is right now.

And with Daniel Farke keen on strengthening in three positions, Leeds could end up raiding Burnley as a way to strengthen one of them.

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Leeds could move for Burnley’s Manuel Benson

Following Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham United almost two weeks ago, winger is one of the three positions Leeds are keen to strengthen.

Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe have emerged as two of Leeds’ top targets, but progress has been limited on both.

Rak-Sakyi is all but set to join Sheffield United, while Leeds have made no significant steps towards meeting Norwich’s asking price for Rowe after their first phone call.

As such, Leeds are going to have to start working on a list of alternatives and according to Belgian journalist Claudio Reulens, Burnley’s Manuel Benson is a potential option.

Benson is currently way down the pecking order for a place in Scott Parker’s starting XI, with Luca Koleosho, Wilson Odobert, Vitinho and Anass Zaroury all ahead of him.

Having played just 110 minutes of league football last season, Benson was an unused substitute at Luton and will clearly be keen to move elsewhere to get some game time.

Here is what Reulens said on Twitter: “There may still be some movement around Manuel Benson. Leeds United remains a candidate. Return to Belgium is not an option.”

Benson is a player Leeds were keen to sign back in January and so links to him now they really need a winger do make sense.

• READ MORE: Norwich manager shares new update on Jonathan Rowe’s situation after interest from Leeds United

Benson would be a great signing for Leeds

Though some may question why Benson would be a good signing if he cannot get in at Burnley, the Clarets are arguably the only side with better wide options than Leeds in the Championship.

When the ‘electric‘ Benson last played at this level, he was an absolute fan favourite at Burnley as he netted 11 goals in 33 appearances during their title winning campaign.

Benson would also add a profile to the squad that is currently lacking, in that he is a left-footed player who likes to play off the right.

He has a brilliant ability to score goals from range by cutting inside onto his left and by bringing him in, Leeds’ side would be really well balanced with Wilfried Gnonto on the other flank.