Tottenham Hotspur are awaiting a decision from Dan James to pursue a dramatic late loan-to-buy deal, according to Fabrizio Romano

The lowdown

Tottenham opened talks with Leeds last week over a potential deal for the former Manchester United winger James to become their ninth capture of the summer.

They asked about an initial loan that would also include an option to buy at the end of the season.

It was only last summer - on Deadline Day, in fact - that Leeds paid £26.19million to sign James from Manchester United.

The latest

Romano says it's 'not an easy deal' for Spurs to pull off in the final days of the transfer window, especially with Everton lodging an enquiry too, but 'the situation remains open', and they're waiting on the player to give the green light.

"Tottenham have discussed potential loan with buy option for Daniel James with Leeds last week — not an easy deal, also Everton asked.

"Situation remains open, it’s up to the player — Leeds would be happy to keep James."

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The verdict

Antonio Conte and Tottenham will be under no illusions about the threat James poses.

That's because, last November, he scored for Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a match that the Lilywhites eventually won 2-1.

James proved to be a menace, forcing three saves from Hugo Lloris and seeing three more shots blocked.

The Spurs players who faced James may also be aware of the extent of his pace.

Former team-mate Marcus Rashford says 'he can cause teams nightmares' and admits he wouldn't be keen to race the Welshman, while Jose Mourinho says he's quick enough to 'break defenders'.

Indeed, only one player - Leonardo Spinazzola - recorded a higher top speed at last summer's European Championships than James.