Leeds United were reportedly close to signing Swansea City’s Daniel James in the January transfer window.
Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa told Leeds Live on January 31, 2019 that negotiations to sign James from Championship rivals Swansea were going on.
According to The Daily Star, the 21-year-old winger was set to join the Whites for a transfer fee £10 million, but the move eventually fell through.
Former Wales international striker Hartson is a Swansea fan, and he believes that the Swans pulled the plug on the deal late on as they thought that Leeds were getting a bargain.
The BT Sport pundit has also suggested that if Swansea get an offer of over £20 million for James, then they will be forced to sell him in the summer transfer window.
According to TEAMtalk, Premier League giants Manchester United are interested in signing the 21-year-old winger this summer.
Hartson believes that the failed move to Leeds could work out for both Swansea and the Wales international.
Hartson told The Daily Star: “If they are offered in excess of £20m for Daniel then it’s difficult to turn down. It would also be hard to deny the boy the opportunity of playing for a Manchester United.
“He was very close to going to Leeds on the final day of the January transfer window for £10m. But I believe Swansea pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute because they thought at that price Leeds were stealing him.”
Hartson added: “But now the way things have developed it could be worthwhile for both Swansea and the player.
“From the club’s point of view the transfer fee will at least be doubled while Daniel could be joining one of the Premier League’s top clubs.”
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