Sources: Sunderland in talks to sign Manuel Benson after Leeds United and Southampton deals collapse
Sunderland are in talks with Burnley over a late move for winger Manuel Benson, sources have told Football Insider.
The Black Cats are looking to complete a deal for the 26-year-old winger after talks with Leeds United and Southampton fell through.
The two Championship sides struck agreements to sign Benson this month, but both deals collapsed late on.
Sunderland boss Michael Beale is eager to add a winger to his squad before Thursday's deadline and has turned to Benson after enquiring about Man United youngster Amad Diallo.
As revealed by Football Insider on Sunday (28 January), Sunderland wanted to bring Diallo back to the Stadium of Light following his previous loan spell but United demanded that 50 percent of his salary was covered.
Sunderland have now turned their attention to Benson, who has fallen down the pecking order at Turf Moor this season.
The Belgian star played a pivotal role in Burnley's promotion campaign last season, making 37 appearances across all competitions and scoring 14 times.
However, since Burnley's return to the Premier League, Benson has struggled for first-team minutes with Vincent Kompany preferring to start Johann Berg Gudmundsson on the right wing.
As a result, Benson has made just five appearances this season with just 12 minutes of Premier League action since the start of September.
Should Benson complete a move to Sunderland, he could be available for selection in their upcoming Championship clash with Middlesbrough.
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