Conflicting reports emerge on Leeds United pursuit of Burnley winger amid Southampton interest

Benson is reportedly a player of interest – but there are mixed reports on the situation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Conflicting updates emerge on Leeds United’s interest in Manuel Benson

It was reported this afternoon by Football Insider that Leeds have snuck ahead of their promotion rivals Southampton in the race for Benson.

The article continues, saying that while the agreement has not yet been finalized, the Whites have moved closer to that process and are reportedly in “very advanced talks” after further rounds of talks that took place on Saturday morning.

Alan Nixon believes this move won’t be happening just yet though, with no contact between the two teams.

A potential Wilfried Gnonto replacement

As previously highlighted, Farke has a frightening array of attacking talent at his disposal, and this would only be boosted ten-fold if Benson was to move to Elland Road.

However, this could be seen as a potential replacement for Wilfried Gnonto, who yet again has been linked with a departure from West Yorkshire.

According to Football Insider, United may be prepared to let go of the Italian, who has drawn attention ever since the team was demoted from the Premier League in May of last year.

And since then, West Ham United has been the clear favorite in that specific race on Saturday afternoon, with the 13-time Italy international reportedly rising higher on David Moyes’ January priority list.

According to the previously cited story, Gnonto’s possible relocation to the London Stadium is contingent upon Leeds completing their pursuit of Benson.

An ideal scenario for Leeds United

Having the beating of a direct rival in the race for automatic promotion for a key target would no doubt please the United manager and supporters – and the potential scenario of swapping Gnonto for Benson is ideal.

Gnonto has failed to break into the side on a regular basis this term, and with constant speculation on his future, a fresh start for all concerned may be for the best.

Benson will no doubt add quality to this Leeds side.

His impact at the Clarets in just 33 league appearances last term was phenomenal, scoring on 12 occasions and assisting another three, really coming to the fore during the latter stages of last season.