Sources: Southampton poised to sign £12m Premier League winger as talks for Burnley ace collapse

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Southampton are closing in on the signature of Bournemouth winger David Brooks having also targeted Burnley wide man Manuel Benson.

HITC Football understands that Championship promotion chasers Southampton are set to bolster their squad with Welsh international winger David Brooks.

Bournemouth have agreed to allow Brooks to leave on a loan deal for the rest of the season, but there is no obligation as they still see a long-term future at the Vitality Stadium for the 26-year-old.

Brooks was keen to move on-loan for the rest of the season after making just two league starts so far this season.

The former Sheffield United talent has come off the bench 11 times but will now move along the South Coast with a move to Southampton.

Brooks has been through a tough time in recent years having been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021, meaning he didn’t play football for nearly 18 months.

After being given the all-clear in May 2022, Brooks finally returned to action in March 2023 and is continuing his career as normal.

Brooks needs playing time right now though and Bournemouth seem happy to let the wide man play a part in Southampton’s push for promotion to the Premier League.

Southampton go for David Brooks after missing out on Manuel Benson

Saints boss Russell Martin has been keen to land a left-footed winger this month and Burnley winger Manuel Benson has been a prime target.

The Belgian was sensational in Burnley’s promotion-winning campaign last season but has struggled for game time in the Premier League this term.

Southampton have been chasing a deal for Benson but HITC Football understands that talks broke down on Monday morning.

The Saints have pivoted to sign Brooks instead and have seemingly given up on Benson barring a late change of events.

Southampton are unbeaten in the Championship since the 23rd of September, dropping just 12 points in their last 20 games.

Martin’s side look a strong bet for promotion right now and adding a winger like Brooks – who cost Bournemouth £12million back in 2018 – could really help their pursuit of an immediate return to the top flight.