Daniel James of Swansea City has emerged as Leeds United’s no. 1 target, and the Whites have been linked with him for quite some time. However, if latest reports from Wales Online are to be believed, then the Swans have put up a £12m price tag on their 21-year-old winger. It is believed that Bielsa is an admirer of the player. But with every passing day, it seems to us that the winger is unlikely to move to Elland Road.
Reports from the Mirror had earlier claimed that the Welsh outfit would demand £5m for the winger, but now they are set to demand more than double of that price.
It is not surprising to see Swansea play hardball for their winger as nobody would want their first-team player to leave midway through the season especially when there is everything to play for as Graham Potter’s side are challenging for the playoff spots.
The winger’s contract is until the summer of 2020. Therefore, Swansea are under no pressure to sell him in this window, and they know that holding on to him until the last moment might shoot up his price further. As for Leeds, we don’t see them paying over £10m for James. After the latest development, there is a high possibility that United could be ending up with just one signing in this window.
James’ performance in the last few months has been impressive, and as a result, he was called up for national duty for the first time in November last year. The Swans are currently six points off the playoff spot. Graham Potter would know that keeping all his player is going to be essential if they are to chase down that coveted sixth spot.
The work rate of the 21-year-old winger is impressive, and that could be one of the reasons why Bielsa has given the green light to sign the Wales international. The left winger’s numbers might be slightly underwhelming as he has one goal and four assists in 19 games this season. However, his overall contribution down the left has not gone unseen, and his form has been good for the past few months.
Leeds are in desperate need of adding depth to their squad, and they can do with a young and talented winger like James. The 21-year-old is not yet a finished product so he might take some time to get going in a new team and a new system. However, with Swansea putting a price tag of over £10m, we don’t think that the Whites should comply as for that amount, they can get a much more proven player at the Championship level.
