Fabrizio Romano has told Give Me Sport that the main difference in talks between Leeds and Tottenham over a move for Dan James is that Tottenham want to sign the Welshman on loan – while Leeds would prefer a permanent sale.
James, 24, was relegated to the bench by Jesse Marsch against Everton on Tuesday. New signing Luis Sinisterra scored from the right, while Jack Harrison is first choice on the left. It seems James is no longer a certainty in the starting XI.
Indeed, James has struggled at Leeds since joining the club from Manchester United for £25million last summer. He was asked to play up front for much of last season to cover Patrick Bamford and understandably struggled in that role.
This season, he is yet to score or create a goal in four appearances. Leeds could be willing to let him go before the end of the window. Tottenham and Everton are both being linked with a move. He has a contract at Leeds until June 2026.
Tottenham have certainly been strongly linked with James. They could lose Bryan Gil and Lucas Moura on deadline day, and James might be a replacement. But Romano says the sticking point in talks is the type of deal both clubs want.
“It’s complicated because Tottenham are exploring a loan move and not a permanent deal. This is why at the moment Leeds are not accepting that kind of move for James,” Romano told Give Me Sport ahead of deadline day.
Romano: Main difference in talks between Leeds and Tottenham for James
A loan deal for James to Tottenham would not benefit Leeds in any way. They would not be getting the cash they would require to spend on a replacement. They would also be strengthening a Premier League rival during 2022-23.
So, surely, Leeds are more than well within their rights to only consider a permanent sale. They spent £25million last summer and given the lateness of the window, they should request a similar fee from Tottenham – or Everton.
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