There’s a glaring decision the 49ers ‘need’ to make after Leeds United’s win over Watford

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Leeds United were back to their best after a minor blip in The FA Cup with a stunning 4-0 win away at Watford to pile the pressure on Championship rivals Sheffield United and Burnley.

Saturday’s defeat saw Leeds’ run of 14 games unbeaten come to an end and it saw Leeds fans concerned that the loss may sew an element of doubt into the league form, and in-turn the chase for promotion.

But Leeds quickly rubbished those worries with a superb 4-0 win over Watford. A brace from Dan James sees the Welshman take the plaudits, while Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe added to their tallies.

Adam Pope said before the game that eight wins from the remaining 15 league games and 24 points would get Leeds over the line. With 14 to go, Pope’s prediction means Leeds now only need seven.

• READ MORE: How Brenden Aaronson feels about his future at Leeds United this summer

Jon Newsome urges 49ers to hand Leeds player a new contract

The focus off the pitch will be preparing for Premier League football next season given there are 14 games left to play, and Leeds are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table as things stand.

There are a handful of players in this team that are ready to go in the Premier League. One of those without a doubt is James, and Jon Newsome has urged Leeds to hand him a new Leeds contract.

Newsome joked on Radio Leeds he’d be in the shower doing a deal: “I’d be in the shower now, trying to get him signed up. Has been different class. He’s one that the club need to tie down, most definitely.”

Dan James’ current contract situation at Leeds United

There are three players out of contract at Leeds in the summer in Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and Josuha Guilavogui and decisions on the trio are likely to take precedence. There are five more with 2026 deals.

Alongside Patrick Bamford, Illan Meslier, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow, James has entered the final 18 months of his deal at Elland Road. The winger is currently earning £30,000 a week with The Whites.

One thing is for sure, is that James has to be considered one of the best three players in England’s second tier at the moment. Burnley’s Hannibal claimed he was better this week, but James is by far the better.