Leeds United close in on £25m Dan James signing from Manchester United - The Athletic 30/8/21

By Adam Crafton and Phil Hay

Leeds United are very close to a permanent deal for Manchester United winger Dan James for an initial £25 million plus add-ons.

The Athletic reported on Sunday that his current club were ready to listen to offers for James. A transfer has moved swiftly on Monday and Leeds are nearing his signing ahead of Tuesday's deadline. James is travelling to Leeds tonight, with a fee agreed and deal done, pending a medical.

Leeds previously came within a whisker of signing James from Swansea in January 2019, when the player had completed a medical, only for the deal to fall through on deadline. It is believed that Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa remains an admirer of the Welsh winger and would like his club to sign James before Tuesday night’s deadline.

James himself had been determined to fight for his place at Old Trafford and he has started two of United’s first three Premier League games of the season, including the 5-1 win over Leeds. However, in the 1-0 win at Wolves, James struggled and was replaced by Anthony Martial after 52 minutes.

Why are Leeds moving for him now?

Leeds have been restrained in their spending this summer, only spending significantly on Junior Firpo.

But it is understood funds are available to secure a long-term target in James.

Which clubs have shown previous interest?

James has also been linked previously with Brighton, having played under manager Graham Potter at Swansea, although well-placed sources believe Brighton’s interest has cooled a little.

James has also had previous interest from Everton, Leicester and Crystal Palace.

Why are United willing to let him go?

Following the decision to purchase Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus, United have an excessive supply of forward players and wish to thin out the squad before the end of the window.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously stated an intent to keep James at the club, as well as Jesse Lingard, but it is now logical that United may allow one or both to leave.

There have also been suggestions that United might receive interest for Anthony Martial, who has struggled for form over the past year.

After the match, Solskjaer said: “There has been a couple of enquiries for some of our players. With the signing of Cristiano we might give less playing time to a few. Dan is a Man United player at the moment.”