Burnley deal could see Southampton finally land ideal Nathan Tella replacement and he wants the move
Southampton could finally be set to land their replacement for Nathan Tella, as they look to bring in out of favour Burnley winger, Manuel Benson.
Southampton could finally be set to land their replacement for Nathan Tella, as they look to bring in reinforcements for their second half of the season promotion push.
The Saints have reportedly submitted a second bid for Belgian winger Manuel Benson, according to reputable reporter Sacha Tavolieri.
Russel Martin’s side have been flying in the Championship and are pushing hard to get themselves into the automatic promotion positions.
Benson was one of the standout players for Burnley as they were promoted from the Championship last season. The goalscoring winger has been out of favour at Turf Moor since they were promoted to the Premier League, though.
With limited minutes at Turf Moor, Benson could be searching for more time on the pitch and the 26-year-old wants to go to Southampton, according to the report by Tavolieri.
Despite Benson being keen on the move to the South Coast, Burnley’s strained relationship with Southampton over the aforementioned Tella may make the possibility of business between the two sides a challenge.
Benson was an impact player at Burnley
Benson was predominantly used as an impact sub by Vincent Kompany, averaging 46 minutes per game in the Championship.
The winger used his limited minutes incredibly productively, scoring 11 goals in 33 appearances for the Clarets last season. Benson scored key goals for Burnley, including a match-winner in the Lancashire derby away to Blackburn Rovers, two goals in Burnley’s 3-1 win against fellow promotion chasers Middlesbrough and a winner in added time at home to Reading, a game in which he also assisted the first goal.
The wideman has not had the opportunity to show his quality in the Premier League, making just four appearances this season – although he has spent some time on the sidelines with injury.
Benson still appears unfancied behind the likes of Wilson Odobert, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Mike Tresor, Jacob Bruun Larsen and – until his injury – Luca Koleosho.
Burnley and Southampton relationship is sour
The addition of Benson at St Mary’s would finally provide a replacement for Tella. The Englishman departed for Bundesliga side Bayer Levurkesen in the summer after a standout season on loan at Burnley.