Leeds United youngster Mallik Wilks is shining out on loan.
Despite the deadline day disappointment, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Leeds could consider making a fresh move for Dan James in the summer after the January deal fell through in bizarre circumstances.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that James was ready to complete his move to Elland Road for several hours after completing a medical, but Swansea stopped taking calls from Leeds and the deadline passed without his switch getting across the line.
The report added that Leeds were initially set to loan James, and would have paid £7 million in the summer to make the move permanent had they been promoted.
James could prove to be a bargain at that price. But after the debacle of last week, perhaps Leeds’ first choice to fill that left-wing void is a player who is already on their books.
Mallik Wilks continues to impress out on loan with Doncaster. His goal against Portsmouth at the weekend has taken his League One tally to eight, while he has also provided five assists in the league.
James meanwhile, has scored twice and contributed three assists in the Championship. Wilks has featured more frequently and is playing in the division below, but his record is still hugely impressive and he is not the player that may perhaps cost Leeds £7 million in the summer.
Keeping James on the radar makes a lot of sense. Getting the 21-year-old on loan for the rest of the season would have been an inspired move from the Championship high-flyers.
And if Swansea are prepared to do business in the summer, then Leeds would be wise to make a fresh move. But perhaps Bielsa should also give Wilks his chance to prove that he can save the Whites around £7 million as he continues to shine while he is out on loan.
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