Leeds United has received some encouragement in the pursuit of one of its top remaining transfer targets this summer.
The Whites are well known to be looking for four new players, one of whom has reportedly notified Elland Road officials that he is interested in the move following negotiations.
Daniel Farke is still looking to strengthen at full-back, central midfield, and with two new attackers, while supporters’ patience is wearing thin.
It has been over a month since Leeds last made a signing, and Farke’s two finest players, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, have both left.
Seeing Leeds play without one or both of Summerville and Rutter at West Bromwich Albion is not something fans want to see again, but Friday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday is not far off.
Graeme Bailey delivers the latest Jonathan Rowe and Manuel Benson update.
In attack, Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe and Burnley’s Manuel Benson have been identified as potential targets.
Leeds tabled a £7 million bid for Rowe a few weeks ago, while Benson has just emerged on the radar as Burnley is in the midst of letting several players go.
Graeme Bailey, a transfer analyst, has provided an exclusive update on the status of both players to LeedsUnited.News, and the results are mixed.
Bailey reports Leeds have ‘backed away’ from a deal for Rowe after it became evident that his desired destination is Marseille, despite the fact that Benson is interested in a move to West Yorkshire.
He stated, “I am told that Rowe has told Norwich that Marseille is the only destination he wants, and the deal is close; Leeds has backed away.
“Leeds have held negotiations with Manuel Benson, and I understand he wants to come to Elland Road. Norwich, ironically, has inquired, as has Sunderland, with Leeds in pole position.”
Leeds could have one stumbling hurdle in the Benson deal.
Clearly, both Leeds and Benson want to make a deal, but Burnley could be the sticking point.
Burnley require player sales before the end of the window in order to lower the size of their bloated squad and meet P&S requirements.
However, the Clarets may be reluctant to sell to a possible promotion competitor, especially given Benson’s performance in his one and only season at this level.
If Leeds are to win this one, they may have to pay over the odds. It’s difficult to judge whether it’s worth it for a player like Benson.
