Manuel Benson appears to have bid farewell to the Royal Antwerp supporters after Championship outfit Burnley submitted a £3.3 million bid for the Vincent Kompany target, as reported by GVA.
They do say actions speak louder than words.
And while Benson is yet to break his silence after being left out of Mark van Bommel’s squad for Antwerp’s 1-0 victory over Zulte Waregam on Sunday, an emotional lap of honour at full-time – reciprocated with a standing ovation from the home supporters – certainly felt like a goodbye.
Burnley appear to be on the verge of making the former Inter Milan and Monaco target their latest in a series of intriguing summer signings, having submitted a new bid of £3.3 million after seeing an initial £1.5 million offer turned down in July.
According to GVA, talks between Antwerp and the Clarets are moving in the right direction. And Benson, once likened to Gareth Bale due to his searing pace and technical ability, is open to the idea of joining fellow Jupiler League imports Vitinho, Josh Cullen and Samuel Bastien at Turf Moor.
Burnley close in on Manuel Benson
“They have polled. Burnley’s interest has now come out, but there are still a few clubs who have informed (me of their interest),” the former Belgium U21 international said last week.
“By the way, I also have conversations with Antwerp. My contract runs here for another year and there is an option in it (to extend).
“If nothing changes, I’ll just keep doing my best.”
Benson became Royal Antwerp’s record signing when he joined from Genk three years ago. Equally comfortable on the right or the left, the 25-year-old could help fill a Dwight McNeil-shaped hole in Kompany’s squad.
McNeil joined Everton in a £20 million deal on Thursday. Maxwel Cornet is expected to join his former Burnley team-mate in the Premier League before the window closes.
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