Soccer Football - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - March 18, 2022 Leeds United's Daniel James and manager Jesse Marsch celebrate after the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Everton have ‘asked’ about the availability of Leeds United winger Daniel James, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Looking for an attacker
Following the departure of star forward Richarlison earlier in the window, the Toffees have been hard at work searching for a possible replacement.
Having already brought Burnley winger Dwight McNeil to Goodison Park, Blues boss Frank Lampard remains in the market for up to three more attackers before Thursday’s transfer deadline approaches (via GiveMeSport).
This signing looks all the more necessary with Anthony Gordon asking the club to sanction his move to Chelsea, amid talk of a £50m plus £10m bid being made for the 21-year-old.
The Latest: Romano’s news
With Everton still in the market, Romano has name-dropped Daniel James as a possible Gordon replacement for the Toffees, with the club having made an enquiry for the Wales international.
Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:
“Tottenham have discussed potential loan with buy option for Daniel James with Leeds last week — not an easy deal, also Everton asked for Dan.
“Situation remains open, it’s up to the player — Leeds would be happy to keep James.”
The Verdict: Surprising target
In 34 Premier League appearances last season, the 24-year-old bagged four goals and five assists, elsewhere failing to contribute in front of goal when playing in the EFL and FA Cups.
James was awarded a 6.64 average match rating for last year’s league campaign; his score placing him in the bottom ten players out of the entire Leeds squad.
However, the attacker still fleetingly demonstrates the same promise which initially earned him his move to Manchester United in 2019.
Having clocked a top speed of 35.1km/h in the Premier League last season, James ranks in the top eight percent for pressures made by wingers across Europe over the past year (via FBRef) – something Gordon also excels at.
Earlier this year, pundit Micah Richards hailed the forward for his performance against Aston Villa in which the Welshman netted two goals, calling the youngster ‘outstanding’.
If Frank Lampard thinks he can get the best out of James and utilise his speed and work rate the same way he does with Gordon, this seems like a no brainer for the Toffees on a possible loan to buy deal.
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