Fulham are now willing to match Leeds United’s price tag to beat interest from Tottenham Hotspur for the last-gasp transfer of winger Dan James ahead of Thursday night’s deadline.
Fulham ready to pay Leeds price tag to beat Tottenham to Dan James deal
According to ESPN (31/8, 13:38), Fulham are prepared to pay Leeds United £20m to secure a late transfer for Dan James. However, the Wales international is not currently convinced that a move to Craven Cottage would be the right option for him at this stage of his career.
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Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in agreeing a deal for the 24-year-old to move from West Yorkshire ahead of Thursday’s deadline. But the north London outfit have so far only indicated that they would be willing to discuss a loan move with the option to buy in 2023.
Talks are ongoing between Leeds and the sides interested in luring James from Elland Road just a year on from his arrival. The Whites paid Manchester United in excess of £25m for a deal on deadline day last August, while giving the 34-cap international a five-year contract.
Leeds would accept a marginal hit on the feed paid 12-months ago, but will demand £20m, at least. Fulham are prepared to pay the figure if Marco Silva can convince James to put his concerns to the side. It is also felt that ‘all possibilities are open’ with deadline day nearing.
Everton also eying Dan James deal after tough start to new campaign
Reports by Fabrizio Romano have also credited Everton with approaching Leeds to discuss Frank Lampard’s interest in possibly signing James. The forward has often been a key part of the Elland Road squad, but has not produced the ideal start to the 2022/23 term so far.
Through his first four appearances, after missing Leeds’ season-opener with Wolves with a suspension, Jesse Marsch has removed James before the hour mark twice. He also started the winger on the bench as the Whites drew 1-1 at home to the Toffees on Tuesday night.
James had shown great versatility during his 32 Premier League games after joining Leeds last season. Whilst offering four goals and five assists, the electric dynamo – who Marcus Rashford has called ‘brilliant’ – played off either wing, as well as regular games at striker.
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