Sky journalist says Daniel James is now unlikely to join Tottenham
Journalist Kaveh Solhekol has said on Sky Sports News (broadcast on 29/8; 17:14) that he has been told that it is unlikely that Daniel James will join Tottenham, with Leeds very happy to keep the winger at Elland Road.
James has emerged as a surprise target for Spurs as the deadline looms. The Welshman has struggled to silence his critics during his time at Leeds.
That is not all his fault, of course. It has been a difficult 12 months for the Whites. And James has often been deployed up front in the absence of Patrick Bamford.
Fabrizio Romano claimed that Spurs had spoken to Leeds about a loan to buy move for the 24-year-old. Meanwhile, he also noted that Everton are admirers of the wide-man.
But it seems that Tottenham may need to pull something out of a bag if they hope to sign James. Leeds would be more than happy if he stayed put beyond the deadline.
“I believe that there has been interest from Spurs in Dan James. But I’m being told it’s unlikely to happen at the moment. He’s a player that Spurs like, but he’s also a player that Leeds like a lot. And I don’t think at this very moment that Leeds want to lose the player,” he told Sky Sports News.
“What is interesting is that Antonio Conte has made it very clear that if Spurs are to let Bryan Gil move on loan back to Valencia then he would like to sign a replacement.”
Daniel James unlikely to join Tottenham
Leeds fans seemed to be fairly divided about the prospect of losing James. He has not been the best signing so far. But there have been flashes of what he can do. And he was quietly excellent against Chelsea recently.
With that, some Leeds supporters would be open to a deal – provided that he is replaced in Jesse Marsch’s squad.
But, as Solhekol notes, Leeds are happy with James. So the club may feel that only a special player coming in could make moving James on worthwhile.
They will also be keeping in mind that they paid £25 million for James one year ago. A loan with an option to buy makes little sense for Leeds.
