Tottenham Hotspur are trying to sign Leeds United winger Daniel James before Thursday’s summer transfer deadline, according to reports in England. Antonio Conte made a surprise move to bolster his attack with the former Manchester United star in the final five days of the window.
Spurs have been busy this summer, bolstering the Italian head coach’s ranks with seven new signings. Highly-rated Sheffield United striker Will Lankshear is set to become the number eight entering a £2million deal, but Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici may not be resting there.
According The sun, Tottenham have made an official move to sign James in the coming days. The North London giants want to sign him on a season-long loan with the option of making him permanent next summer. However, if Leeds are to offload him, they want a transfer fee this year rather than next.
Leeds only signed James last summer, paying their bitter rivals £25million for his services at the request of Marcelo Bielsa. The 24-year-old’s position is unclear but he would no doubt be keen on the prospect of working under Conte at a club participating in the Champions League this season.
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Spurs’ intention of an upfront loan could prove too big a stumbling block to overcome if they don’t decide to offer an upfront fee. And the speedy Welshman is currently buying plans for Jesse Marsch at Elland Road amid a strong start to the new campaign.
James was suspended for Leeds’ 2-1 opening weekend triumph over Wolves before featuring in the 2-2 draw at Southampton, the memorable 3-0 win over Chelsea and the 1-0 loss on Saturday against Brighton & Hove Albion. He also featured in the 3-1 win over foes Yorkshire Barnsley in the Carabao Cup second round.
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Conte’s desire to add to his offensive options late in the window comes as a surprise. Spurs splashed £60million on Richarlison earlier this summer and already had one of Europe’s deadliest attacks in Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski.
James is far from a prolific striker, registering 13 goals and 14 assists in 113 appearances for United and Leeds. But his speed and movement make him a dangerous asset and are two traits Conte must feel he can use.
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