Daniel James tipped for Southampton transfer after Leeds United playoff loss
Southampton have been tipped to have a look at Leeds United winger Daniel James after winning the Championship playoff final by Jon Newsome.
Speaking after Leeds’ 1-0 loss to the Saints at Wembley, BBC Radio Leeds co-commentator Newsome said James was one of the players who could be likely to leave Elland Road this summer.
James came closest for the Whites as they chased the game in the second half, rattling the crossbar and drawing a save from Alex McCarthy after coming off the bench in the 66th minute.
In quotes reported by TeamTALK, Newsome said of players who could depart: “Dan James, you know, frustrated, not even playing, been on the bench.”
After presenter Jonny Buchan said; “someone like Southampton might take a look at him”, Newsome replied with; “absolutely”.
James should be part of promotion plans for Leeds United
Leeds are preparing to hear bids for a host of their top stars this summer, having gone closer to Championship promotion than any other side in history.
13 goals and eight assists from James helped the Whites to win 90 points in the regular season – the joint-highest total to not result in automatic promotion – as the Welshman had a breakout season at Elland Road.
While Crysencio Summerville, winner of the Championship’s Player of the Year award, has been heavily linked with a Premier League move, less attention has been on James, and that could stand the Peacocks in good stead to retain the 26-year-old.
After a failed last-gasp transfer in 2019, James had a torrid time of things after eventually being signed in 2021, being played out of position for much of his first season and then loaned out to Fulham for the duration of his second.
Back in the Championship after Leeds were relegated without him last season, 2023-24 has finally seen James truly arrive, and if Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Georginio Rutter are all set for the exit door, the rapid winger should be the player Daniel Farke builds his second-season squad around.
In other Leeds news, one transfer-linked star was spotted at Wembley in new fan footage.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.