Daniel James could be left out of Man United 25-man squad, Leeds United keen
Leeds United-linked fprward Daniel James could be left out of Manchester United’s 25-man Premier League squad, according to The Express.
The newspaper claims that even though James, 23, started against the Whites on Saturday at Old Trafford, the Wales international could miss out on a spot in Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer’s squad once Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial are all fit.
It is understood that James could leave either on loan or permanently before the end of the month.
The Sun reported in July that Leeds would take the ex-Swansea forward on a full-time basis or would also be willing to strike a temporary agreement.
Extra option out wide
If James opts to quit Man United in the next fortnight before the transfer deadline on August 31, he’s going to leave to join a club where he’ll be guaranteed first-team minutes.
Would he be guaranteed that at Leeds?
No, he would not.
Raphinha and Jack Harrison have the two winger positions locked down and as both players have been bought permanently in the last 12 months for big fees, you would imagine that Marcelo Bielsa would stick with them as they know his system inside out.
James is obviously someone Bielsa likes after he came close to signing him in January 2019 when he was still at Swansea. Leeds fans don’t need to be reminded about that again.
But James can play on both the left and right-wing and his pace means he would be superb option off the bench for Bielsa.
Would we like to see Leeds finally sign the Welsh speedster? Absolutely.
However, we just don’t see him wanting to join us if a bid goes in because he’ll probably be restricted to playing a back-up role until there’s an injury, suspension or a severe drop in form from either Harrison or Raphinha.
In other Leeds United news, Stan Collymore has blasted this £8million-a-year man for not justifying his wages at Elland Road.