Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay thinks that Dan James’ Elland Road career could be over following his loan move to Fulham.

The Lowdown: Deadline Day move

The Whites were on the hunt for a new forward on deadline day, with the Welshman being sacrificed in a one-in, one-out scenario. The 24-year-old eventually made a loan move to Fulham, who hold an option to sign him permanently next summer.

James, who has been hailed by Wales head coach Robert Page as 'unbelievable' and 'talented', made his Fulham debut off the bench on Saturday, with Leeds ultimately bringing in teenager Wilfried Gnonto from FC Zurich.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Talking in a Q&A for The Athletic about James, Hay thinks that the Wales international won’t return under Jesse Marsch next season.

The reporter claimed: “I don’t think I see Dan James coming back, or it feels like a long shot.

“James is 24. He’s not especially young and Leeds have essentially said to him that they can do without him this season.”

The Verdict: The new Costa?

Leeds have spent big on a winger in the past only for things to not work out, with £15m acquisition Helder Costa the prime example.

He has hardly featured for the Whites over the past 18 months and spent last season on loan with Valencia. The 28-year-old is now with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia but is still under contract at Elland Road until 2024, having managed only eight goals in 71 games for his parent club.

James cost £25m from Manchester United last year but did not make the desired impact, netting just four times in 36 Premier League outings for Leeds until his loan exit for west London last week.

The 24-year-old is under contract until 2026, so if he struggles at Craven Cottage, there’s every chance that he’ll be back at Thorp Arch next summer, with Fulham having the right to refuse a permanent move.