In Championship action on Sunday afternoon, Leeds United just about prevailed against Preston North End; the game’s deciding goal came from a late Joel Piroe penalty, rewarding the Whites’ unwavering will to not settle for a draw. With this January transfer, Leeds United is very much in control.

Daniel Farke cut a relieved face at full time after his resolute Leeds team resumed their excellent play at Elland Road with a thrilling 2-1 victory, spraying David Cornell’s goal with 20 attempts throughout the day.

With this prospective addition greatly boosting the Whites going forward, Farke will be hoping Leeds can stroll to more easy victory this month after giving the Lilywhites a small fright.

Leeds are close to signing former Championship star

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Leeds is reportedly in “very advanced talks” to recruit Burnley winger Manuel Benson on a season-long loan, potentially surpassing fellow promotion rival Southampton in the process.

Despite having an initial offer approved, Russell Martin’s Saints—who are now second in the Championship on goal differential—may lose out on a deal for the Belgian forward, according to Football Insider.

Leeds will want to add Benson to their ranks to offer the West Yorkshire Titans a player who knows how to climb out of the division. Benson played in the second tier for Vincent Kompany’s Clarets last season on their path to a championship victory.

Furthermore, Benson could easily replace Dan James upon his arrival at Elland Road and enhance Georginio Rutter’s similarly skillful approach thanks to his bold manoeuvres with the ball and his ability to hit a thundering shot, two of his most notable offensive weapons.

How Benson would fit into the Leeds team

Despite his recent goal against Ryan Lowe’s difficult visitors to tie the score, James may find his starting position for the Whites up for grabs if a deal for Benson can be agreed.

When comparing the two talented wingers on FBRef, Benson dominates James in the areas you want your full-throttle choice to excel in. The Clarets star outperforms James in these areas.

In terms of shot-creating actions per ninety minutes over the past year, the current Burnley player outperforms the former Manchester United midfielder. The 26-year-old Clarets winger scored a higher 5.64 compared to James’ lower 3.46.

In addition, Benson has impressive numbers for both progressive passes received and progressive carries—15.75 passes received and 10.50 successful carries, respectively—while James’ numbers are 4.79 and 11.51, respectively.

The Turf Moor fringe attacker, who is ideal for the attacking style of football Farke demands his team play, nearly seems tailor-made to fit into the Whites starting lineup.

If Benson signs on, Rutter and his new teammate could have a field day together. The once-scapegoated Frenchman has been outstanding for West Yorkshire this season; at just one assist away from double figures, the 21-year-old would love the chance to play with yet another “electric” attacker, as EFL pundit Sam Parkin put it.

Benson, who was once a prominent player at Turf Moor but is now on the margins this season after contributing 15 goals to the second division last year, has the ability to lead Leeds to the next level if everything goes according to plan during this transfer window.

Unfortunately, Benson’s arrival may spell the end for James in the Whites’ starting lineup as Farke looks to put together the greatest starting lineup possible to challenge the top two in the Championship.