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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Mark Critchley

Daniel James to Manchester United: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer responds to transfer speculation

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remained coy when asked about Manchester United’s interest in Swansea City winger Daniel James.

Reports on Friday morning suggested that United were close to agreeing a deal worth around £15million for James.

United are understood to be one of many clubs interested in the 21-year-old, though a deal is yet to be struck with the Championship side.

“I don’t know how many names have been mentioned since I’ve come in,” Solskjaer said, when asked about interest in James. 

“There are players I’ve barely seen that I’ve read we are going to sign. There’s loads of speculation. 

“I can’t comment on every single individual,” he added. 

“Many players, as I’ve said. I don’t like when other managers talk about my players and I wouldn’t talk about others, even if I wasn’t or if I was interested.”

United have been criticised in the past for a taking a short-term view in the transfer market by looking to sign proven players in their prime rather than developing young talent.

Solskjaer, however, contested that view on Friday morning, ahead of United’s final game of the season against Cardiff City.

James has impressed for Swansea this season (Getty Images)

“I don’t think we’ve ever been a ready made club – [Cristiano] Ronaldo was not ready made, [Wayne] Rooney was not ready made,” he said. 

“Loads of players have come here and developed into the top superstars they’ve become.

“It’s always going to be the model here that we develop players because we have the best staff, the best environment, the best supporters, if there’s anything they love it’s players that excite them, players that get them off their seats and we hope to get some of them in.”

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