Manchester United’s transfer stance on Daniel James could change if they secure a move for priority target Jadon Sancho in the final week of the transfer window.
James failed to make an impact in United’s opening Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford; the Welshman was replaced at half-time by Mason Greenwood who kept his place for Saturday’s victory over Brighton.
The 22-year-old scored four times during his first season at Old Trafford and some fans have suggested he could benefit from a loan transfer to play regularly.
Sky Sports report that Leeds United have made a loan offer for James, but he would prefer to stay at United and fight for his place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Reporter Dharmesh Sheth believes United’s current lack of forward options is preventing them from viewing a James loan as a possibility.
But the arrival of Borussia Dortmund starlet Sancho in the coming days could alter the club’s stance.
“While Manchester United are struggling to offload players, there does appear to be a concrete interest from Leeds in the winger Daniel James,” Sheth told Sky Sports’ The Transfer Show.
“Would United consider letting James go out on loan? Ordinarily, yes. The problem is that he is currently the first-choice back-up to Mason Greenwood on the right side.
“So that brings us back to Jadon Sancho, and you wonder if James will be allowed to go out on loan without Sancho or an alternative brought into the squad.
“It would appear that he wouldn’t unless they brought in Sancho or a replacement. United fans are getting anxious with 12 days left to get business done.”
James was brought in from Swansea City last summer as a player with raw potential that would need time to develop before competing for a regular first-team place.
His flying start upon his arrival has perhaps distorted expectations and his output in front of goal has dipped for a considerable period.
But what he can offer Solskjaer’s side is electric pace which will always be a useful asset from the bench. While James may not be a player the Norwegian builds his team around, he is a useful asset as a squad player and he can only improve.
Even if a deal for Sancho is finally finalised, we would be surprised to see James depart Old Trafford before the October 5 deadline.
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