Not for the first time, Manchester United winger Daniel James is being mentioned in Leeds United transfer news. With Leeds looking to add another wide player and Manchester United hoping to upgrade on the right flank, James’ future is uncertain.
Rumours have been circling about James over the last couple weeks. 888Sport reported on September 20th of Leeds’ interest in the Welsh winger, but an update from The Athletic’s Phil Hay has shed further light on the situation.
Tweeting from his personal account, Leeds expert Hay confirmed the club’s desire to bring James to Elland Road, though he noted Manchester United are yet to make him available.
Hay said, “They’re more than ready to move on James but they need Man Utd to make him available first.”
It’s fair to assume James’ availability for a transfer depends on Manchester United bringing in another attacking player. That would most likely be Jadon Sancho, who has been at the centre of a lengthy transfer saga during this window.
Asked if it would be a loan or permanent deal by a Leeds fan, Hay replied, “Would be up for discussion. If it was a loan, Man Utd would probably want an obligation. Leeds still have one more domestic loan to use.”
Another Leeds fan noted the importance of a Sancho signing if Leeds are to land James. Hay confirmed that theory, “the assumption at Leeds was that it would take signings at Old Trafford for James to leave”.
This isn’t the first time Marcelo Bielsa has wanted to bring James to Elland Road. He was after the pacey wide player back in January 2019, and clearly still holds him in high regard.
Given the club’s desire to make other signings, buying James this summer doesn’t seem like the best option for the Whites.
A loan with an option or an obligation could allow them to make other additions to the first time – perhaps like Rodrigo De Paul or Calum Chambers.
Roberts Offer Rejected
Leeds are in negotiations with Brighton once again. It’s not for Ben White this time, but the outcome thus far has been the same with the south coast club reportedly rejecting Leeds’ approach for youngster Haydon Roberts.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims Leeds had a transfer bid turned down for Roberts, a player rated highly across the Premier League.
Roberts has less than 12 months left on his contract, which could force the Seagulls to sell rather than lose him for nothing.
Ornstein added that Roberts is ‘well thought of at the south coast club’. With 14 England under-17 appearances and a handful at the age group above, that’s hardly surprising, but might suggest Graham Potter is reluctant to sell in this window.
The Whites’ attempts to sign White showed how difficult it can be to negotiate with Brighton. It will be interesting to see if this takes a similar path.
Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*
