Marcelo Bielsa, the Leeds boss, is making the headlines persistently on the ‘Spygate’ row. The veteran Argentine has responded to criticisms in style via a 70-minute Powerpoint presentation on how he spied on all his rivals down the years. Some eagle-eyed journalists, however, spotted a folder with Daniel James’ name that has now sparked speculations on a potential transfer as reported by the Bristol Live.
The Swans youngster was a subject of interest of many suitors back in the summer as the teams wanted him on loan for the season. But the attacker was retained by manager Graham Potter and eventually became a vital resource of his new-look Swansea City side who are rebuilding towards recovery after suffering relegation last season.
James has featured 17 times so far in the Championship having scored once and assisted four times. He has exhibited his quality in the attacking third with tricky moves, pace and swift skills. This promising run earned him the prestigious senior international debut for Wales against Albania back in November having represented his nation in several youth ranks beforehand.
The 21-year-old winger has mostly been deployed down the left flank but is also rhythmic on the right wing. He can play as a ‘number 10’ too thus offering versatility as well as flexibility high up the pitch.
James is yet to commit his future for the Welsh outfit having entered the final six months of his current deal. Potter, however, believes the contract situation is ‘positive‘, and he had no idea on Leeds’ interest when asked about the same ahead of Saturday’s contest against Sheffield United.
Bielsa already outlined his January transfer plan of signing a goalkeeper as well as a winger to replace injured Jamal Blackman and loaned out Samuel Saiz. Signing Kiko Casilla from Real Madrid has been a strong statement of intent, but the search for a wide forward is still on, and James could be the perfect fit in El Loco’s football philosophy.
The charismatic Whites chief is highly reliant on Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski down the wide areas despite glimpses of promise from teenager Jack Clarke and young Manchester City loanee Jack Harrison. Hernandez, meanwhile, is being deployed centrally since Saiz’s departure, leaving Leeds with little variation on the flanks.
James earned attention while making strides with his boyhood side Hull City before completing an initial £72,000 transfer to join the Swans U18 side back in 2014. He is still pretty young but is showing hints of becoming a prized asset in the coming days. Bielsa has preferred to groom the youth throughout his eventful managerial regime, and thus he should step up his interest in the Welsh sensation to make him an integral part of his Leeds revolution.
