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Tottenham Hotspur: Tom Barclay says that Daniel James interest is genuine

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Image for Tottenham Hotspur: Tom Barclay says that Daniel James interest is genuine

Tottenham Hotspur director of football Fabio Paratici is a genuine admirer of Wales winger Daniel James.

That is according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, who was speaking to GiveMeSport about Spurs’ potential transfer business ahead of the final week of the transfer window.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Antonio Conte’s side have reportedly made a loan-to-buy offer for James, who has been dubbed as a “really grounded kid” by Tottenham defender and Wales teammate Ben Davies.

Nixon also stated that Leeds are keen to keep hold of the 24-year-old winger, but would prefer for him to sell him on a permanent basis rather than a loan deal if he is to leave Elland Road this summer.

Meanwhile, Barclay believes that the speculation surrounding Spurs’ interest in James is genuine, though he also feels that a deal for the wide-man is unlikely this summer.

He said: “It does sound like the Dan James stuff is correct, but it also feels like that one’s quite unlikely at this stage.

“I think it seems Paratici does quite like him, but the last I heard was that it’s unlikely that one’s actually going to happen.”

TIF Thoughts on Barclay’s comments…

We believe that the rumours surrounding James’ future are interesting, as we think Leeds boss Jesse Marsch would have little to no issues with offloading the winger if the club received more money than they paid for the Welshman when they signed him for £25m from Manchester United last summer.

The 34-cap Wales international is yet to score or provide an assist in three appearances for the Whites this season, but is ranked in the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for pressures per 90 minutes (21.94) over the last 365 days according to FBref, suggesting that the winger is a hard-working player – something that would suit Conte’s demanding system to a T.

However, we believe that his lack of goal and assist production over the last year suggests that this should be a move that Paratici and Daniel Levy avoid this summer.

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