Leeds United are very much in control of this January transaction.
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Leeds United just about did enough to defeat Preston North End in Championship play on Sunday afternoon, with a late Joel Piroe penalty proving to be the game-winner and demonstrating the Whites’ unwavering will to avoid a draw.
Daniel Farke, who scored David Cornell‘s goal with 20 attempts on the day, seemed relieved at the end of the game as his resolute Leeds team maintained their top form at Elland Road with a last-gasp 2-1 win.
Farke will hope Leeds can cruise to more uncomplicated victory this month after the brief scare against the Lilywhites, with this possible recruit greatly improving the Whites’ future prospects.
Leeds are close to signing a former Championship star.
According to a recent Football Insider story, Leeds are in’very advanced talks’ to recruit Burnley winger Manuel Benson on loan until the end of the season, perhaps beating out fellow promotion rivals Southampton.
Russell Martin‘s Saints, who now occupy second place in the Championship on goal difference, may lose out on a deal for the Belgian forward despite initially having an offer approved, according to Football Insider.
Benson, who played in the second tier last season for Vincent Kompany‘s Clarets on their path to a Championship triumph, will want to join Leeds to give the West Yorkshire titans a player who knows how to climb out of the division.
Furthermore, with Benson’s clever ball trickery and ability to thunderously hit a shot as two standouts from his offensive arsenal, the wantaway forward may easily displace Dan James upon his arrival at Elland Road and compliment Georginio Rutter’s equally skilled approach.
How might Benson fit into the Leeds team?
Despite netting the equalising goal last time out against Ryan Lowe‘s difficult visitors, James might well find his starting status for the Whites up for grabs if a deal for Benson is agreed.
When comparing the two slick wingers on FBRef, Benson outperforms James in the areas where a full-throttle winger should excel.
The current Burnley player outperforms the former Manchester United midfielder in terms of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes over the last year, with the 26-year-old Clarets winger coming in at a superior 5.64 to James’ poorer 3.46.
Benson also stands out in terms of progressive passes received and progressive carries, with an incredible 15.75 passes received and 10.50 successful carries compared to James’ 11.51 and 4.79, respectively. The fringe Belgian attacker at Turf Moor almost feels readymade to slot into the Whites XI, perfect for the attacking football Farke insists his team play. Rutter could have a field day alongside his new teammate if Benson joins, the once-scapegoated Frenchman a revelation in West Yorkshire this season; the 21-year-old is now just one assist away from double figures for the season and would love the prospect of playing alongside yet another “electric” attacker, as he was described by EFL pundit Sam Parkin.
Benson, who was once a star at Turf Moor but has been on the fringes this season, has the potential to take Leeds to the next level if the transfer window goes smoothly. However, his arrival may result in the departure of James from the Whites’ first team as Farke seeks to assemble the strongest starting lineup capable of competing with the top two in the Championship.
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