Leeds United hold a concrete interest in signing Burnley’s Manuel Benson before the end of the window but that does not mean a deal will be done.
Benson is one of a host of wingers to have been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks following Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham United.
Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe was the first to emerge on the radar though a deal now looks dead in the water for him, as he closes in on a switch to Marseille.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi also opted for a move to Sheffield United ahead of Leeds and since then, Benson, Jack Clarke and Largie Ramazani are among the others reported to be on the radar.
Much like Rowe, a deal for Clarke looks set to prove difficult due to the finances involved, while Ramazani is in talks over a new contract at UD Almeria.
Why Leeds could struggle to agree Benson deal
Leeds, Sunderland and Norwich City are among the sides keen on a deal for Benson, who is looking likely to leave Turf Moor in the coming days.
Benson was an unused substitute for the second successive match under Scott Parker on Saturday, having played just a handful of minutes last season, too.
The Yorkshire Evening Post have today reported Benson is someone who could be offloaded by the Clarets due to their need to sell in order to remain compliant with P&S rules.
However, the report also suggests Leeds could find it difficult to tempt Burnley into selling to them due to the potential of being a promotion rival.
Of course, Leeds have shown very little so far to suggest they will challenge for the top two but a few signings in the next week could change the complexion around Elland Road.
As such, Burnley would prefer to sell to another club, though it remains to be seen whether that stance would slightly soften with interest from Sunderland or Norwich.
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Would Benson be a good signing for Leeds?
Leeds were linked with a move for Benson in January and had he joined on loan then, not many would’ve argued against his arrival.
Adding him to a set of attacking options alongside Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James could well have been the extra bit of quality needed to get them over the line.
However, bringing him in permanently now as a replacement for Summerville and Rutter would make the feeling around his signing completely different.
Benson has a history of fitness issues and has barely played in the last 12 months, making it a big ask for him to come in and hit the ground running.
Unfortunately, though, due to Leeds leaving it so late to make their moves, this may be the type of signing they have to settle for.
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