Dan James gives green light for Leeds United to sign £7.5m star, he’s ‘so good’

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Dan James has been speaking in depth ahead of Tuesday night’s clash between Leeds United and Middlesbrough, in what is a must-win game in the race for automatic promotion.

Leeds have now won just once in the last six games, drawing their last three following Saturday’s 1-1 effort at Luton Town. They go from playing 23rd place, to fifth with a trip to Michael Carrick’s outfit.

James will be one of the first names on the team sheet after netting his 11th goal of the season against Luton, cutting inside from the right flank with a wonderful left-footed finish from all of 25 yards out.

Analysing his goal in a piece with Beren Cross from The Athletic, James shared how he is shooting more and taking inspiration from Liverpool superstar Mo Salah and Man City’s Leeds-born star Erling Haaland.

• READ MORE: Official Leeds post hints that out-of-form £31m duo will start at Middlesbrough

Dan James gives Leeds green light to spend £7.5m on midfielder

One reason Leeds have been more effective in the final third is Joe Rothwell. On loan from Bournemouth, Rothwell has picked up a calf injury and Daniel Farke says Rothwell will only be fit for the last two games.

The table shows Leeds score more goals when Rothwell starts, simple as that. Leeds have been told they can sign Rothwell permanently for £7.5m, and James has given a glowing verdict of the 30-year-old ace.

“So good (at running at opponents and getting Leeds up the pitch). It absolutely kills teams, committing them, creating those two vs one situations,” James said about Rothwell, in his interview with The Athletic.

What Joe Rothwell has said about a permanent Leeds move

Farke has made it clear on a number of occasions that Leeds are not focusing on transfer business or the future of the players that are currently scheduled to leave in June – like Rothwell, or Junior Firpo.

Rothwell has discussed his loan and whether it could be turned permanent, saying it is not up to him. But of course, playmaker Rothwell has a say and has said that it has been difficult living away from his family.

“I’ve not really thought about it. The full focus now is getting the club back to the Premier League. I’ve said it from day dot really, I’ve loved my time here and whether that continues, that’s not up to me.

“That’s between the club and my agent. I’ll just concentrate on doing hopefully helping this club get back up to the Premier League. I haven’t [held talks]. I’ve not looked into it or pushed through [with] it.”

Whether Leeds will want to do a deal for a player now in his thirties remains to be seen. Promotion and Leeds may find there are better options available but remain in the second tier and he is a good signing.