Leeds are making a loan inquiry to sign the £12m forward alongside Benson

Hoping to kick-start their scouting campaign following a disappointing start, Leeds United have turned to the transfer market, inquiring about the chance to sign Premier League graduate Manuel Benson.

Leeds transfer news

Leeds should have plenty of money this summer after Premier League interest was slashed. Daniel Farke has been forced to watch as Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and, most recently, Georginio Rutter, all ended their promotion to the top flight as a result of last season's promotion failure.

Due to the search for strikers, the Whites are reported to have turned to Benson who has failed to break through to Scott Parker's Burnley. In need of a chance to recapture his best form, a permanent move to Elland Road could be the best solution for all parties, with the striker keen on a move to Yorkshire.

Benson, of course, played a key role as the Clarets secured promotion for the 2022/23 campaign, before struggling to adapt to the Premier League. Now, he could become the catalyst behind Leeds' climb back to the so-called promised land.

It seems that is not the only option that those in Yorkshire have turned to. According to Graeme Bailey of HITC, Leeds have also inquired about signing Carlos Forbes on loan from Ajax this summer, only for the Dutch giants to turn down their attempts.

The Eredivisie side only signed Forbes last summer in a reported £12m deal from Manchester City and they may be hoping to see the 20-year-old make significant strides for Francesco Farioli's side. With Forbes also attracting Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, it looks set to be a big season for the City graduates.

“Fun” Forbes is one to watch

Although a loan deal currently seems unlikely, anything can happen in the 10 days remaining of the summer transfer window. Leeds could still land the 20-year-old in a deal that could replace Summerville forward Farke.

The former Manchester City man showed glimpses of his potential last season, scoring four goals and assisting five more in a struggling Ajax side. With that strength, a return to England could increase those numbers even more.

Forbes has received plenty of praise since his Manchester City days, including from Ben Mattinson, who described the striker as “one of the most impressive players at youth academy level”.

Whether it's Jonathan Rowe, Benson or, indeed, Forbes, there is no doubt that Leeds must welcome attacking additions before the transfer window closes, having seen their star-studded squad picked apart in recent months.