Vincent Kompany has stated that talks with Burnley duo Manuel Benson and Anass Zaroury are still ongoing, despite speculation of January departures.
This season, both players have struggled for game time in the Premier League, with only two starts between them. Benson and Zaroury have both been linked with moves away in recent days, with Hull City and Southampton being interested in both.
Burnley, on the other hand, are thought to be reluctant to sanction a move to St Mary’s.
Meanwhile, Hull manager Liam Rosenior recently acknowledged that Benson is a player they admire and is one of several players they are presently scouting.
Given their roles in last season’s Championship title success, fans would understandably be disappointed if both left. However, given their lack of playing time, potential moves cannot be ruled out.
“It is fair to say that both players have not featured too much this season, but as far as the discussions we are having with them, we are pretty clear,” Kompany said when questioned about Benson and Zaroury’s futures.
“We definitely believe in the players and I think the situation of Anass is not the situation of Benny, so we’re having those conversations individually.”
As for potential incomings, Kompany is keen to bolster his squad should the right deal become available.
But as of yet, the Clarets boss says there is nothing “obvious” that stands out.
“We’ve definitely sat down with the recruitment team and the chairman. We’re definitely looking at every possible option but I can’t say much more than that,” he said.
“There is nothing obvious at the moment that stands out that could drastically change our season, but if there is, we’re obviously doing our homework and our research, for sure.”
In other transfer news, Owen Dodgson and Dara Costelloe were recently recalled from their loans at Barnsley and St Johnstone respectively.
Costelloe was immediately sent out on loan again, this time to Dundee, while Kompany has confirmed the plan is also to find Dodgson a new club this month.
“Owen will go back on loan and play,” he said.
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