Craig Scott

Sun 11 July 2021 14:10, UK

Daniel James is considering his options at Manchester United amid interest from Leeds United, according to the Scottish Mail On Sunday.

The newspaper reported in their print edition on Sunday [June 11, page 129] that Leeds are “monitoring developments” in regards to the 23-year-old forward, who came within a whisker of joining the Whites in January 2019.

It is understood he’s currently “reluctant to leave” Old Trafford but he’s going to “assess his options” with Jadon Sancho’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund set to be completed soon.

Get him in

Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta are clearly fans on James after coming so close to signing him from Swansea in January 2019.

The Wales international had done everything he could to become a Leeds United player before the Swans pulled the plug on the deal and eventually sold him to Man United.

At Old Trafford, James has played 72 times in all competitions, scored nine goals and supplied nine assists.

He’s done well for a player who’s still young and has his best years ahead of him but in all honesty, he’s probably not at a level Man United want their players to be at.

However, for a club like Leeds, he’d be amazing.

He ticks so many boxes for Bielsa in the fact that he’s versatile enough to play on both wings or as a centre-forward, plus he’s pacey and has earned some good Premier League experience in the last couple of seasons.

It remains to be seen if Leeds would have to sign James permanently or if Man United would be interested in loan deal because the Welsh forward still has another three years left on his £35,000-a-week [Sun] contract.

If we can strike a loan-to-buy deal similar to the Jack Harrison one then we think it would be good business and would protect us if clubs come calling for Raphinha either this summer or next.

And let’s face it, Raphinha’s done so well that’s bound to happen.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have made an approach to sign this £6.4million-rated central midfielder.