Sunderland face tough competition from Middlesbrough to sign a Premier League attacker before the deadline.
Sunderland are rapidly running out of time to bolster their squad before the 11pm deadline, though it still looks like they will confirm the signing of midfielder Callum Styles.
However, their pursuit of Burnley’s Manuel Benson still seems to be up in the air. It was reported earlier today that the Black Cats are ‘in talks’ over a move for the Belgian, though it is going to be a huge challenge to get a deal done before the deadline.
It has now been made even harder by Middlesbrough’s arrival on the scene, with journalist Alan Nixon claiming that Michael Carrick’s side are ‘in the queue’ for Benson.
The winger has been heavily linked with a loan exit from Turf Moor, having dropped down the pecking order since Burnley won promotion to the Premier League.
He managed to score eleven goals and provide three assists in the Championship though, and it comes as no surprise that he has been in high demand in the January transfer window.
Middlesbrough lost key man Morgan Rogers to Aston Villa this week, so they will be desperate to bolster their attack before hosting Sunderland in this weekend’s Tees-Wear derby.
Is it too little too late for Sunderland?
Manuel Benson would be an exceptional signing for any Championship club, with the 24-year-old proving himself as a vital player as the Clarets dominated during the 2022/23 season.
The forward was even compared to Arjen Robben by former teammate Nathan Tella after his memorable goal in a 2-2 draw against Rotherham United in April of last year.
However, Sunderland’s chances of signing him surely look bleak. The Black Cats are far from the only club after him and have barely any time to try and lure him to Wearside anyway.
Not forgetting that Michael Beale’s side snapped up a right-sided winger earlier today, and also have Abdoullah Ba and Patrick Roberts in their ranks.
Unfortunately, I can’t see it happening. Though Sunderland certainly don’t want Middlesbrough to snap him up either, because he could cause huge damage against them on Sunday afternoon.