Leeds United have significantly strengthened their defence with the signing of Jaka Bijol, and brought in more cover up front but The Whites‘ squad is a whole lot weaker than it was last season.
As things stand, Leeds will lose five players who played a key role in promotion back to the Premier League, in a week’s time. Come June 30, two loanees will exit and three will see their contracts expire.
Josuha Guilavogui has been confirmed as leaving, while Junior Firpo is set to join Betis. Sam Byram is yet to have his contract extended and both Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell will see their loans end.
Solomon has told Tottenham he wants another chance at Spurs, and the feeling was that Rothwell was never going to be considered for a permanent deal. But others could leave, including Dan James.
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty ImagesLeeds stance as Everton show interest in signing Dan James
It has emerged that Angus Kinnear’s new side Everton want Dan James, after choosing not to extend Jack Harrison’s loan spell or sign the Leeds man permanently. James is currently contracted until June 2026.
It means, as things stand, that James’ future at Leeds is in doubt. That is despite his 21 goals and assists last season and that he was one of three to be nominated for the Championship Player of the Season title.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
TeamTalk say Leeds are confident of keeping James after staging talks with the £25m man’s agents. A two-year deal is on the table for James, and Leeds feel it will be signed despite the lure of Everton.
The report also claims that Daniel Farke has told Leeds bosses in no uncertain terms that he wants James at his disposal next season, as Leeds aim to remain in the Premier League. It would be calamity if he left.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
What kind of wage is Dan James being offered by Leeds
LeedsUnited.News understands that The 49ers are offering James a wage which is smaller than the one handed to him when he joined the club back in 2021, more-fitting with the club’s position in the top tier.
It is unclear how much specifically James was earning when he first joined the club, though it is likely to be a substantial amount given he was coming from Manchester United – where the wage bill is higher.
Given James’ form last season and the Farke is desperate to keep him, The 49ers may have to be a bit lenient when it comes to James’ wages. One to watch, but the likelihood is that James will stay put.