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Tottenham Hotspur in talks with Leeds United over Daniel James loan

Tottenham Hotspur have opened discussions with Leeds United over a potential loan move for winger Daniel James, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Following a two-year spell at Manchester United, James signed a five-year contract at Leeds for an estimated £25 million fee. In his debut season, he was the club’s leading playmaker in the league with four assists to go along with his four goals.

This term, he has made four appearances in all competitions, starting twice. In these outings, he has failed to register a goal or an assist.

Now, he could be set for a transfer away from Elland Road. Fabrizio Romano reports that Tottenham Hotspur are considering a loan move for the Wales international, while Everton are also in the running.

These sides have had very different fortunes so far. Spurs remain unbeaten in the league, collecting ten points from their opening four. In contrast, the Toffees are yet to win a game, picking up just two points.

Why would Tottenham be interested in Daniel James?

This latest update was met with a lot of confusion from supporters. Given his relatively unspectacular spells at Man Utd and Leeds, it makes little sense for Spurs to make a move for James.

Sure, he’d add a bit more depth to Antonio Conte’s squad, which is a necessity if they wish to be competitive on multiple fronts. But does he add depth in areas that need strengthening?


James’ natural position is as a winger. On the flanks, Tottenham already have Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, and Lucas Moura, while the likes of Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon are also capable of covering there in the event of an injury crisis. It’s difficult to see him getting regular game time.

Some have suggested that he could be utilised as a wing-back, but this would make even less sense. They’ve already got Perisic, Sessegnon, and Ben Davies available in the left-wing-back role, and Emerson Royal, Djed Spence, Matt Doherty, and Japhet Tanganga on the opposite side. They ought to be offloading full-backs before bringing in any new ones.

In fairness, it’s only a loan deal. In the worst case scenario, he sits on the bench for the season, makes the occasional appearance against a lower league club in the domestic cups, then returns to Leeds. But ultimately, it just seems a bit pointless.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire club could perhaps do with keeping him around for the coming year. Jack Harrison and Rodrigo have made flying starts to the campaign, but the back-ups for them aren’t proven at this level.

There are high hopes for Colombian signing Luis Sinisterra, but he is yet to impress in his early appearances. The only other wide option is Crysencio Summerville, who also hasn’t done much in his two years in England. Unless there is a replacement lined up, sending James out on loan shouldn’t be considered.

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