Everton given permission to speak to Leeds United winger Daniel James over season-long loan
Everton have been given permission by Leeds United to speak to Daniel James over a season-long loan deal, according to Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath.
The Toffees were linked with a move for the Welsh international earlier this week [29 August], with Fabrizio Romano reporting that an enquiry was made.
But with Leeds now deciding that the player can leave the club this summer, he has been given permission to speak to four clubs with Everton being one of them according to a report in The Telegraph [1 September, 10:56].
“Leeds forward Dan James has been left in limbo on deadline day after being given permission to speak to other clubs over a season-long loan deal,” he wrote.
“Tottenham, Everton, Leicester and Fulham are interested in the Wales forward to bolster their attacks. But Leeds have problems landing their two main targets in PSV’s Cody Gakpo or Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan, leaving James waiting over a move in the final hours of the window.”
Boost
Everton still want attackers and James is an attacker, so if a loan deal is possible then it would be a positive for the Toffees.
While he has had problems with his productivity in the Premier League, Lampard is likely to be interested in him for several other reasons than his goals and assists.
James is one of the quickest players in the league which would obviously help the club with their counter-attacking approach to games, but he’s also a tireless runner and a perfect team player when it comes to the defensive side of the game too.
The fact he is Leeds’ record transfer shows how highly they rated him just a year ago, but he’s dropped down the pecking order under Jesse Marsch and the club are now open to his departure.
There is plenty of competition but Everton are likely to be able to offer regular minutes and that could sway him in the direction of Goodison Park.