Dean Ashton revealed that he thought Daniel James’ potential January transfer to Leeds United fell through due to a Swansea City issue by the sounds of it and revealed how he thought that could effect the winger.
The Sky Sports pundit claimed it was going to be difficult for the winger in the near future, especially if he holds any resentment towards the Swans as it was perhaps them who stopped the move going through rather than Leeds.
Ashton added that he was hopeful that James would have the right attitude regarding not getting a move to Leeds and pointed out he was young enough that wasn’t like he was in the last chance saloon regarding getting an exit.
“I think why this is difficult is because from the sounds of things it was a Swansea issue than Leeds,” Ashton told Football League World.
“It depends whether he has got any resentment to Swansea because of that but hopefully he’s got the right attitude and advice and he gets his head down and just carries on what he has been doing where he’s got to the point where someone wants to buy him.
“He’s young enough and I think that’s key because it’s not as if this was the last chance saloon of getting a move and moving to a team that could get promoted.
“He’s used to Swansea and he’s used to how they play so hopefully he can settle back in and that’s where Graham Potter has to come in and make sure he’s mentally right.”
OPINION
The Leeds-Swansea transfer saga over James went on throughout January and even was a big talking point on transfer deadline day. BBC journalist Simon Stone reported via his personal Twitter account that a deal that would have seen the winger move to Leeds fell through late on the day as Swansea City pulled out of talks at 22:30. By all accounts Leeds and James probably thought they were about to link-up for the second-half of the season, however it’s clear Swansea had other ideas for whatever reason. Ashton seems to believe there is a chance James may struggle with it being his current side who stopped the move rather than Leeds changing their minds, unless he has a superb attitude. There’s no mention of the winger kicking up fuss in recent weeks when all the talk about a move to Leeds was being banded about, so by all accounts Swansea will probably benefit from him still being at the club. Also James is probably aware that Leeds won’t even consider returning for him in the summer if he proves to be a problem for the Swansea in the rest of the season, as it would act as a red flag for them.