"Obvious solution" - Leeds United urged to move for Rutter, Summerville replacement at Burnley | OneFootball

The Whites have sold Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter this month, and need proven replacements, Manuel Benson could be that.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United are in need of replacing key stars from the previous few seasons, following the sales of Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville this summer, with their wide options now limited in particular.

The Whites came into the new season off the back of a disappointing play-off final loss to Southampton at Wembley in May, and have lost some of their best players from the 2023/24 campaign.

Gray, 18, made the switch to Tottenham Hotspur for around £30 million, while Summerville, 22, joined West Ham United at the start of August for over £25 million.

The outgoings have not stopped at Elland Road, either, with Brighton & Hove Albion triggering the £40 million release clause in Georginio Rutter's contract, as per David Ornstein.

Leeds must make more signings to avoid being left behind by their opponents, and turning to a direct promotion rival could be the way to help their situation.

Manuel Benson could provide the width needed on the right

Manuel Benson, 27, came close to joining Leeds on loan last season, after failing to have an impact in the Premier League with Burnley. Now, he has once again been targeted by the Yorkshire-based club, according to Daily Express journalist Charlie Gordon.

Benson did see out the season with Vincent Kompany's side, despite featuring just eight times. However, in the Championship, the 27-year-old was a huge success, playing 33 games and scoring 12 goals.

He also found the back of the net in his sole FA Cup appearance, scoring a brace in a 4-2 win over Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.

Benson has obvious talent, and FLW's Leeds Fan Pundit, Kris Smith, can see the Angola international making an impact at Elland Road if a move does happen: "Leeds have a real serious problem with the depth out wide at the moment.

"Obviously, after losing Summerville and Rutter as wide options, signing a right-sided player could really be a good solution for us, and it's a must before the window shuts.

"Looking at the options that could provide good depth, Manuel Benson would be quite an obvious solution to that, knowing the qualities that he provided in Burnley's promotion winning season last time around."

Leeds may find it difficult buying from a rival

Despite his obvious qualities, and Leeds' recent influx of money, Benson will be hard to entice away from Burnley considering the likelihood of the two sides going toe-to-toe throughout the course of this campaign.

The Clarets will not want to sell to Daniel Farke's side due to the implications it could have towards the latter stages of the season, but a lack of gametime last year and the threat of competition in the ranks at Turf Moor may cause Benson to seek a way out.

Kris believes that this stumbling factor can be worked around: "We have a pretty big issue with finding openings against teams that sit deep and pack out the box, but someone like Benson that can just let fly from anywhere around that right-hand side is perfect for us really.

"Whether or not Burnley would be open to selling to promotion rivals is another question but something has to give in this Burnley squad at the moment given how big it is and Benson could be one to make way."