Leeds reportedly want £11m PL player who was faster than Dan James

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Leeds United are one of the Premier League sides interested in taking Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Joe Rodon on loan during the January transfer window, according to reports this week.

Rodon could be on the move after a difficult spell in North London following his £11 million switch. He has struggled for game-time under both Nuno Espírito Santo and Antonio Conte.

The Telegraph reported that Spurs are willing to let Rodon leave on loan. And Leeds are one of the teams keen on a deal as they continue to battle a nightmare run with injuries.

They were without Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente against Arsenal at the weekend. Meanwhile, Robin Koch only returned after several months on the sidelines.

Rodon has not had the easiest time himself since joining Tottenham. But the 24-year-old is clearly a very bright talent. He is a stalwart in the Wales national team. And he has rarely let Spurs down when he has received a chance.

And actually, he would potentially become the fastest member of the Leeds squad should he end up at Elland Road.

Pace is not something traditionally associated with Rodon’s game. But it turns out that speed is a huge strength for the former Swansea man – as Leeds winger Daniel James knows.

Leeds target Joe Rodon is faster than Daniel James?

James played alongside Rodon at the Liberty Stadium for several years from 2014 when the wide-man joined the Swans’ academy.

And while many would expect James to have the ability to cruise any race between the pair, it actually turns out that it was the defender who tended to have the upper hand – as his mum, Tania confirmed to The Athletic in 2020.

“He came home on day one of the scholarship, Dan James had just joined. Him and Dan James were having races against each other. He was beating Dan. I saw his face that day and he was absolutely loving it.”

James is probably the player that would come to mind for most Leeds fans when asked about pace within their ranks. So for Rodon to be quicker – in their younger days, at least – is quite something.

That ability to turn on the afterburners may make a huge difference to Leeds’ backline if they can get a deal done.