OPINION
When Leeds United missed out on Dan James’ signing from Swansea City at the death of the January transfer window, there seemed to be more disappointment than frustration.
As has been widely reported, the Whites were on the brink of securing the Welsh winger’s capture before his club pulled out of the deal at the 11th hour, leaving Leeds with just one new arrival over the winter window.
It did not seem to affect the attacker himself, who has gone from strength to strength all season, earning a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents the Championship has to offer.
It is no wonder Leeds were keen to snap him up – but their failure, which was hardly their own fault, will now surely have club owner Andrea Radrizzani tearing his hair out after a report from the north west of England.
According to the Daily Mail, Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool are both in pursuit of James’ capture this summer, the Swansea man with a £10million valuation on his head, with the Old Trafford outfit said to be carrying out a number of checks before triggering a move.
Not only is that Leeds likely out the running for a summer deal, but it could well have been the Whites pocketing that healthy income of cash from the top flight’s big spenders.
His contract deal – with just a year left at Swansea – means the Championship outfit are in no position to make hefty demands, whereas Leeds would have been able to ramp the price up significantly if the Premier League heavyweights came calling.
Leeds – and in particular Radrizzani – would have had a big money asset as well as a supremely talented and promising football on their hands. Instead they have the bitter taste of failure in their mouth.