Royal Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel has confirmed Manuel Benson’s impending departure as Championship outfit Burnley close in on the talented winger, speaking to Het Nieuwsblad.
If everything goes to plan, Benson could be confirmed as a Burnley player as eaerly as today.
According to Gazette Van Antwerpen, the one-time Inter Milan and Monaco target will jet out to England on Wednesday before putting pen to paper on a four-year contract at Turf Moor. Burnley have also agreed a fee in the region of £4 million with Royal Antwerp.
And Van Bommel, who recently took over at Bosuilstadion after the briefest of stints at Wolfsburg – one that would make Frank de Boer’s feel like Crystal Palace’s very own Sir Alex Ferguson – admits that the club were reluctant to stand in Benson’s way.
Manuel Benson on verge of Burnley deal
“Benny did well and felt comfortable in our system,” admits the legendary Dutchman. “You sometimes have to stop a player who wants to leave at all costs. But, in this case, we decided not to do that in consultation with Marc (Overmars, sporting director).
“Why? Because it has a history attached to it. There were already talks about a transfer, we have taken that into account.”
The explosive, versatile Benson was left out of Antwerp’s squad during Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Zulte Waregem. The 25-year-old also confirmed Burnley’s interest back in July.
“Burnley’s interest has now come out,” said the former Belgium U21 international. “But there are still a few clubs who have informed (me of their interest).
“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, who has been likened to a young Gareth Bale, is expected to replace the departed Dwight McNeil in Vincent Kompany’s starting XI.
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