Leeds United reportedly need to pay an eight-figure to fee to land one of their top targets.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been fairly quiet in the market this month. There was plenty of excitement as Kiko Casilla signed from Real Madrid, but there have been no other signings thus far.
However, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Swans youngster James is Bielsa’s top target with the deadline swiftly approaching. The 21-year-old has provided three assists for Graham Potter’s side, and has scored once in the Championship this term.
But The Sun on Sunday (27/1; page 63) is now reporting that Swansea want £12 million for James – which says a lot about how highly rated he is at the Liberty Stadium.
Given that Leeds have not been the biggest spenders in the league, it would be a surprise if they were willing to go too close to that asking price this month.
They may not give up on signing James altogether. But if Swansea dig their heels in and demand that the league leaders pay the eight-figure fee, then you would imagine that Victor Orta will be tasked with trying to find an alternative target to pursue as the deadline looms.
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