Carlton Palmer has claimed Leeds United would be “robbing” Southampton of a top target with the Whites said to be “very close” to a deal for Manuel Benson.
The former England midfielder told Football League World (23 January) that the Whites are “set to be in the driving seat” for the Burnley attacker, who would be the “ideal” replacement for either of their own wingers Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville amid Premier League exit speculation.
Russell Martin’s Saints supposedly had a bid accepted but haven’t been able to complete the deal, with Palmer suggesting a move to Elland Road is instead now on the cards.
He said: “It was believed that Burnley had a £1million-plus offer accepted from Southampton, but the deal has stalled.
“Leeds are set to be in the driving seat for his signature. While the deal has not been completed as we speak, it is believed to be very close.
“He would be an ideal replacement for Gnonto or Summerville, both of whom are attracting Premier League interest and may move on in the January transfer window.
“In signing Benson, Leeds would be robbing Southampton, their rivals for that second automatic promotion place, for one of their top targets.”
Despite being a stand-out in the Championship under Vincent Kompany last term as he scored 12 league goals Benson has barely featured in the top flight this season.
With just two late substitute appearances since August the 26-year-old looks like he needs a move away from Turf Moor, much like Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell at Elland Road.
If he is available then it is easy to see why the Whites might be hoping to bring him in, but unless Summerville or Gnonto were to leave there looks to be little space for more wide men.
The latter is believed to be on the brink of agreeing a new Leeds United contract extension to put to bed suggestions he will go, while the former has been so outstanding it will surely take a vast offer for the Whites to consider an exit.
Dan James has been similarly excellent this year under Daniel Farke, so Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony have not got many opportunities.
If the Bournemouth loanee’s deal was cut short this month then Benson would look like an obvious replacement candidate, but it would surely be surprising if Leeds added another wide attacking option right now even if it did keep him out of Martin’s grasp at St. Mary’s.
If the Whites are making moves to bring anybody in over the next week it is far more likely to be defenders, having seen Luke Ayling and Djed Spence both leave since the window opened.
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