Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has said that the Whites could return to try and seal a summer deal for Swansea and Wales winger Daniel James in the summer after missing out on his capture during January.
The wide man looked to be on the brink of sealing a switch to Elland Road on deadline day but saw the move collapse, leaving him to see out the campaign at his current club.
However, insisting that the international attacker would be professional during his side’s clash against Leeds on Wednesday evening, Whelan suggested a summer move could be on the cards after the disappointment of missing out.
Speaking ahead of the clash against the Swansea, he told Sky Sports News (13/02, 17:37): “Well hopefully (he’ll score) an own goal after what happened but no, look, he’s professional, he’s contracted to Swansea. Yes, disappointment for the young man not to get everything over the line.
“Change of heart from Swansea, you can’t do anything about that but he’ll be professional, he’ll be coming here and trying to show the Elland Road crowd what he’s all about.
“You know, there could potentially be a move on at the end of the season but he’ll be looking to get one over Leeds.”
Opinion
The drama surrounding James’ failed move to Elland Road was the big talking point for the days after the window slammed shut and the fact that Swansea visit Leeds on Wednesday means that it is one of the number of stories on the side of what is a crunch clash for both clubs. The fans in Yorkshire will be unsure whether to hope for James heading to their side in summer for much of it will depend on whether they are preparing for another Championship campaign or readying to take on the very best of English football in the Premier League. If the latter, then their targets might change and James could well be left further ruing the fact he missed out on joining Marcelo Bielsa and his men this winter. Of course, the Argentine will have done plenty of research into the Swansea man and will know if he seems suited to the demands of the top flight and so regardless of promotion or not, James could well find himself lining up in the white of Leeds rather than Swansea at the start of next season.