Southampton 'in talks with Burnley for Manuel Benson'

The 26-year-old has struggled for game time under Vincent Kompany since the Clarets gained promotion to the Premier League last campaign, featuring in just four matches in the top flight.

Benson was a major part of the Burnley side which cantered to the Championship title in 2022-23 ahead of second-placed Sheffield United, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in 33 second-tier appearances.

The former Belgium youth international has featured 42 times for the Lancashire club since securing a switch from Royal Antwerp in the summer of 2022, finding the net on 13 occasions.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Southampton are in talks with Burnley over a deal to bring Benson to St Mary's Stadium during the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Saints are looking to seal the services of the winger on a temporary deal until the conclusion of their Championship campaign.

It is understood that the South Coast club would have an option to make the move permanent in the summer, which could be dependent on if Southampton can secure promotion to the Premier League.

Russell Martin's are said to have already sent an initial offer to Burnley for Benson, however discussions have not reached the advanced stages just yet.

The Saints are hunting down the top-two places in the Championship amid a 17-game unbeaten streak which has seen them climb above Leeds United into third, just three points behind Ipswich Town in second.

A 2-1 success over managerless Plymouth Argyle extended their winning spell to four matches on Friday evening, with a trip to Norwich City awaiting the promotion chasers on New Year's Day.

It is believed that the Saints feel that Benson could provide that extra firepower they require to seal an immediate return to the Premier League.

The attacker has fallen down the pecking order at Turf Moor following a number of wide players arriving in the summer, including Luca Koleosho, Mike Tresor and Wilson Odobert.

Benson's last start for Kompany's men was in the 3-1 home defeat to Unai Emery's Aston Villa on August 27, with the winger being substituted at half time.

Although he was unlikely to play a part regardless, Benson is struggling with a slight knock and is expected to be unavailable as Burnley face Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on Friday.