Leeds United are still leading the Championship tally, but a defeat against Stoke City in the aftermath of the infamous ‘Spygate’ row must have made the fans anxious amidst fears of jeopardising yet another promotion dream. Marcelo Bielsa, the charismatic Whites chief should be on the lookout for reinforcements to increase the squad strength but must react soon with only one week left before the winter transfer window is slammed shut.
They, meanwhile, have been linked with a move for Swansea City starlet Daniel James according to reports (via WalesOnline) and a recent tweet of The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Phil Hay has now revived the rumour.
The gaffer had already outlined his transfer plans prioritising on a goalkeeper as well as a wide forward. The signing of Kiko Casilla from Real Madrid is indeed a strong statement of intent, but the focus might now shift on the 21-year-old Welshman who has made significant strides in the past few months under manager Graham Potter.
James, however, has 18 months left on his current deal and is yet to be handed a further extension despite interest from many suitors. Although Hay is uncertain whether the Swans would be accepting the initial bid, the Welsh outfit are in need of cash and desperate to offload their certain high earners.
This, in turn, would force them to listen to offers for the promising prospect and a lucrative deal from the Yorkshire giants might eventually see a transfer taking place.
reality with these deals is that negotiation goes on regardless. Leeds will be positioning themselves to work out the various costs and put together a deal they think Swansea will accept. Swansea need cash this month.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) January 23, 2019
Bielsa has always preferred giving starlets a chance over renowned names throughout his glorious managerial regime and wrapping up James would fit his philosophy perfectly. James is versatile and can operate on both the flanks as well as in a central attacking role behind the ‘number 9’.
The departure of Samuel Saiz has forced the boss to slot in the veteran Pablo Hernandez in the middle of the park in spite of the Spaniard being more influential down the right wing. Jack Harrison, the young Manchester City loanee is yet to leave a mark whereas Ezgjan Alioski, featuring as a left-back these days, has been highly inconsistent despite being one of the most gifted players of the league.
Teenager Jack Clarke has been exquisite in both his maturity and the final ball. However, it would be a big ask for him to step up for the senior side on a weekly basis. The addition of the Wales international would hand Bielsa a big attacking boost with more options, versatility and flexibility high up the pitch ahead of the final decisive months of the Championship football.
