‘More than ready to move’ – Phil Hay claims Leeds poised and ready to do deal for £45k/wk PL ace
Leeds United could yet land winger Daniel James, after missing out on him in 2019 and subsequently seeing the player move to Man United instead.
James hasn’t bedded in successfully at Old Trafford and speculation has started up again about a move to Leeds.
One supposed ‘ITK’ account said that personal terms had been agreed between James and Leeds – and they certainly were in January 2019.
However, while that seems to be a case of the gun being jumped, Athletic journalist Phil Hay has confirmed that the club is poised to make a move.
Writing on his personal Twitter account on Tuesday morning, Hay said, “They’re more than ready to move on James but they need Man Utd to make him available first.”
Hay later added when asked if it would be a loan or a permanent deal: “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.”
Hay also said that the “assumption” at Leeds is that Man United will need to make some signings if they are to let James go.
Loan to buy could work well
Leeds fans were absolutely gutted when the James move fell through.
Has the club moved on since then?
It doesn’t sound like Bielsa has and that’s what counts. He wanted James back in 2019 and it seems he’s still a big fan now.
It could be argued that Leeds have got enough options on the wings, with Ian Poveda waiting on the bench.
Helder Costa and Jack Harrison have both started the season superbly.
James can play as a no.10 but he’s definitely more of an out-and-out winger.
Here’s the thing. Leeds don’t have an unlimited pot of money. They’ve already spent over £40m and that might leave £30m-£40m to spend.
If Leeds can loan James with an obligation to buy then that would leave the pot for one more big-name signing (like Rodrigo De Paul).
The question seems to be, would Man United be prepared to let James go out on loan to save the reported salary of £45,000-a-week?
And if not, would Leeds fans want James above other players this summer?
In other Leeds United news, ‘De Paul to Leeds?’ – Udinese sporting director opens up on exciting big-money transfer