Oli McBurnie jokes about Leeds’ reported interest in Dan James

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Leeds United reportedly want Swansea City youngster Dan James this month.

Oli McBurnie has joked, in comments reports by Wales Online, that he plans to lock Dan James in a room to stop him from joining Leeds United during the January transfer window.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that the Whites are keen on the Swansea winger and plan to step up their interest in him during the remaining days of the January transfer window.

The report added that Leeds are determined to get James through the Elland Road door this month. But McBurnie insisted that he is prepared to take drastic measures to stop his teammates heading to their Championship rivals.

“I’ve told him to stay,” he said, as reported by Wales Online. “I’m going to lock him in a room and have a word with him soon! He’s been playing really well and when you have big performances like his, you’re going to get attention.

“It’s down to the club to do what they need to do, but we want to keep our youngest and best players. DJ is one of the players we want to build our team around. The basis of a good team is young players.”

While it is clear that Marcelo Bielsa will have done all the research he needed to do before making his mind up on a pursuit of James anyway, McBurnie’s comments should certainly encourage Leeds about their move.

The Swans are clearly determined to do all they can to make sure that he goes nowhere this month. And that suggests that he could make a real impact during the Whites’ promotion push.

The Whites may just need to be prepared to break down a door or two to get the winger however, judging by McBurnie’s plans to ensure that he does not leave the Liberty Stadium without a fight.