OPINION
It’s time for Leeds United fans to start getting really excited.
Graham Potter confirmed for the first time at his Swansea City media briefing on Monday that Daniel James could make the cross-Championship move to Elland Road by Thursday night.
Potter explained that talks between the two clubs over a deal are going on, “everything is in theory possible” and that “we’ll keep on talking unto the deadline” in three days’ time.
Swansea boss Graham Potter on if there is any news on winger Daniel James coming to #lufc: “No…. everything is in theory possible. Nobody has said anything has come in. It’s just talk. I’m sure we’ll keep on talking unto the deadline.”
— Adam Pope (@apopey) January 28, 2019
This is a huge development. The lid has been lifted by Swansea into a deal that has been strongly reported over the last few weeks as Leeds work on their second major January signing following the Kiko Casilla capture.
Managers rarely go public over a possible deal until it is very advanced and more likely than not to be completed.
That appears the current state of play with Leeds’ pursuit of James.
The Wales international has been in and out of the Swansea starting XI but he has showed flashes of star potential, just as United’s even younger winger Jack Clarke has done.
James is 21, blisteringly quick, direct and has the ability to cut in from the left flank or beat the full-back on the outside. He has an eye for goal and his quality is evident from how his Swansea teammates are desperate for him to stay.
Even if Leeds have to pay over £3million for the youngster, they will be getting a good deal.
Elland Road will erupt if a deal can be done, as now seems very likely, in the next 72 hours.