Leeds United have reportedly identified Burnley’s Manuel Benson as a potential replacement for Wilfried Gnonto if the Championship side lose the Italian to West Ham in the January transfer window.
Gnonto, who pushed to leave Elland Road last summer after the Whites were relegated from the Premier League, has finally been forced to stay.Leeds have rejected Everton’s interest in the Italy international to help their promotion push, but Gnonto has looked second-rate this season.
The 20-year-old has started just seven of Leeds’ Championship games this season, scoring once, and is not a firm favorite with manager Daniel Farke.As a result, according to SportsLens, it has been reported that Leeds are prepared to allow Gnonto to leave West Ham this winter as part of their signing.
The Hammers are also said to be interested in Ajax’s Steve Bergwijn, although David Moyes is said to be at odds with the club over his decision to continue with the former Tottenham forward.Benson, 26, joined Burnley in 2022 from Belgian side Royal Antwerp and impressed in his side’s promotion campaign last season.However, he has made just four Premier League appearances for Vincent Kompany’s side and is said to be ready to leave.
The winger joined Burnley in the summer of 2022 for an undisclosed fee believed to be around €4m and scored 11 goals in 33 Championship appearances as Kompany led their return to the top flight.Rodon’s costs rise to £20 million.Elsewhere, Leeds are said to be interested in a deal to keep Joe Rodon at the club permanently.The 26-year-old has been impressive for Farke’s side in the Championship this season, where he is on loan from Tottenham.There was no fixed fee on the loan, however, and Leeds fear that unless a deal is agreed soon, signing the Welsh defender from Spurs would cost up to £20m, according to Football Insider.
Leeds’ unexpected Gnonto substitute is unveiled as a permanent £20 million deal approaches.
According to Belgian reports, another defender on the radar at Elland Road is Genk’s Mark McKenzie.The US international has attracted interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga following his performances at centre-back for Brighton, West Ham and Everton last season.But his form has dipped this term, but according to Voetbalnieuws Leeds are still interested.
The 24-year-old is in the final year of his contract next season and Genk can hope to cash in on the defender, for whom they paid more than €5 million to Philadelphia Union in 2021.Leeds need a defensive boost after Luke Ayling joined Middlesbrough on loan and Djed Spence back to Spurs..
