Leeds United are interested in signing Daniel James from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, according to the print edition of the Scottish Mail on Sunday (p129: 11/07).
What’s the story?
The report has claimed that Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are tracking United winger James.
The Whites wanted to sign the Wales international winger before he joined the Red Devils from Swansea City for £15 million, as reported by Sky Sports
United signing Jadon Sancho this summer could force James into a move away from Old Trafford.
Long-term interest
James was close to joining Leeds from Swansea in January 2019, as shown in the Amazon documentary ‘Take Us Home’ about the Whites’ 2018-19 season and reported in The Daily Mail.
The Manchester Evening News reported in September 2020 that Leeds head coach Bielsa wanted to sign the youngster last summer.
The Daily Star claimed in December 2020 that West Yorkshire club were interested in signing James in January 2021.
Could a deal happen?
It is clear that Leeds head coach Bielsa and Director of Football Victor Orta rate the 23-year-old highly.
Sancho will go straight into the United team, and the England international winger will push James out even further.
The 23-year-old made 11 starts and four substitute appearances in the Premier League last season.
James made five starts and two substitute appearances in the Europa League in 2020-21.
If the winger pushes for a move away, then a transfer could well happen.
However, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could decide to keep the Welshman in his squad.
After all, the Red Devils will be aiming to win the Premier League title and also compete in the Champions League next season, which means that they will need a big and strong squad.
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