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Paul Warne explains why he wished Leeds United signed Swansea City’s Daniel James in £10m January deal

Swansea manager Daniel James in action during the Sky Bet Championship at Liberty Stadium on April 02, 2019 in Swansea, Wales. (Stu Forster/Getty I...
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Swansea City winger Daniel James was linked with Leeds United in January.

Paul Warne, manager of Rotherham United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship between Millwall and Rotherham United at The Den on February 02, 2019 in London, England.

Rotherham United manager Paul Warne says he wanted Leeds United to sign Swansea City’s Daniel James in January as he knew his side had already faced the Whites twice by then, the BBC report.

“He [Daniel James] is phenomenal talent. I wanted him to go Leeds in January because I knew we didn’t have to play them again,” Warne explained after his side’s 4-3 defeat to Swansea City.

“I was thinking please go to Leeds – that would have been unbelievable for me. In the nicest possible way, I don’t really need to see him in a team opposite me again.”

Warne’s comments came after Rotherham United narrowly lost at Swansea in an entertaining game in which winger Daniel James once again showed his capabilities.

The 21-year-old was menacing at Rotherham earlier in the campaign, and he terrorised the Millers once again as he racked up six shots, an 88.6% pass-accuracy rate and one assist as the visitors at times put three men on him.

James has become a standout in the Championship this season, but he was reportedly very close to leaving Swansea during the January transfer window as promotion hopefuls Leeds United moved in for him.

Daniel James of Swansea City in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Swansea City at Elland Road on February 13, 2019 in Leeds, England.

According to The Telegraph, Leeds failed with a £10 million deadline day move while the Yorkshire Post claimed the winger was seemingly keen on a move to Elland Road.

Rotherham had already played Leeds twice by then, so manager Paul Warne wouldn’t have had to worry about facing him again this season as he cites James as one of the two best players outside the top-flight.

It remains to be seen whether Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds go in for James again this summer, though they may now have competition for his signature from Premier League clubs.

Daniel James of Swansea City (R) challenged by Pontus Jansson of Leeds United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Swansea City at Elland Road on February 13,...