Sources: Winner named in Southampton and Leeds United race to sign Manuel Benson as ‘agreement’ reached
Southampton have won the race against Leeds United to sign Burnley forward Manuel Benson this month, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking to the new edition of Football Insider’s Insider Track Podcast, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Saints are edging closer to a full agreement with the Clarets to take the 26-year-old on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
It is believed that wage contributions are still to being finalised, with Benson’s weekly salary increasing following Burnley’s promotion.
But a broad agreement is in place with Leeds’ hijack set to now fail.
Football Insider (19 January) revealed that Benson’s loan move to Southampton had stalled despite an offer being accepted.
Leeds then climbed into pole position and were in advanced talks with Vincent Kompany’s side for the versatile attacker, but they have now been pipped by their Championship rivals.
Benson has made only five appearances in all competitions for the Clarets and has made the Premier League matchday squad just seven times.
He proved his abilities in the Championship in Burnley’s promotion-winning campaign last season, where he scored 14 goals and provided five assists.
The Belgian is under contract at Turf Moor until June 2027 after penning an extension just last summer.
Leeds sit fourth in the Championship after their 2-1 win against Preston North End on Sunday (21 January), but remain four points behind the third-place Saints.
They are next in action against Norwich City on Wednesday evening (24 January), while Southampton face Watford in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday (28 January).
In other news, Sources: Leeds United make move to sign Premier League giants sensation with ‘exceptional numbers’.
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