Everton are reportedly making an attempt to swoop Manchester United winger Daniel James from under the noses of Premier League rivals Leeds United.
According to a report from Football Insider, Everton are attempting to make a late hijack to try and sign Manchester United and Wales forward Daniel James, who is closing in on a switch to Leeds United.
Signed from Swansea City in the summer of 2019, six months after a move to Leeds had fallen through despite after he completed a medical, James enjoyed a stunning start to life at Manchester United. However, it has been pretty much downhill for the 23-year-old after the early promise, as he has struggled to nail down a starting berth at Old Trafford.
The signing of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo, coupled with Mason Greenwood’s emergence as Manchester United’s best player this term means James is unlikely to be a regular starter for the club this season. And, on Monday, reports emerged that the Wales international could be joining Leeds, in a permanent deal.
However, it has now emerged that Everton are trying to steal the winger away from the Whites with a late deadline day swoop. The Toffees have strengthened their attack with Andros Towsend and Demarai Gray this summer, but there is room for another wide player to be added considering that Alex Iwobi has not always been the most consistent of performers.
And, with Moise Kean returning to Juventus, Rafael Benitez could certainly use another attacking option in his squad, making James a viable target. James, to that end, has emerged as a viable target with the Merseyside outfit registering a late interest in the former Swansea City winger.
However, despite their late interest, journalist Fabrizio Romano has insisted that Everton are unlikely to come out on top in this race. The Italian transfer expert has claimed that a move to Leeds United remains on the cards for James, with a medical and announcement expected today. The deal, if completed, would fetch Manchester United a sum of £25 million in transfer fees.
Leeds, meanwhile, would be getting a player who they have been chasing for well over two years. His arrival would add more depth and quality to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, who has been over-reliant on Raphinha and Jack Harrison out on the flanks. As for Everton, they may have to look elsewhere to bolster their flanks, with James seemingly on his way to Elland Road.
