Dan James surely crucial in Leeds signing 25-year-old, played with him 100 times

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Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a move to sign Tottenham defender Joe Rodon on loan for the 2023-24 campaign – and surely Dan James has played a key role, given he is the player Rodon has played alongside most.

Rodon, 25, returned to Tottenham this summer to find himself some way down the pecking order. On Tuesday, the North London side announced the signing of Micky van de Ven. It pushed Wales star Rodon down the rankings.

After an up-and-down season at Ligue 1 side Rennes, Rodon is now set to return to the Championship – after his move from Swansea to Tottenham in 2020 for a fee of £15m. Leeds have moved quickly after Liam Cooper’s injury.

Leeds close in on Joe Rodon, Surely Dan James has played a key role

While Rodon has failed to kick on in terms of his club career, his international career has been excellent. Already, Rodon has 36 caps for Wales and is first choice in the middle of Rob Page’s defence. Alongside, Dan James.

Ethan Ampadu, too. But with James, Rodon came through at Swansea. Playing for Swansea’s U18, U21 and senior side together – as well as Wales U18, U19, U21 and then senior side, the duo have shared the same XI 100 times.

For both James and Rodon, neither star has played alongside another player more. So the mere presence of our £25m winger will surely have convinced Rodon to make the move to Elland Road – with a deal expected very soon.

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath reported that Rodon is on his way to Leeds with Cooper now out for the next eight weeks. A real blow, given how key Cooper is going to be for us over the next nine months. Rodon is a solid signing.