Pundit John Hartson has explained why Daniel James' move to Leeds United broke down.
It was a frenzied last day of the January transfer window for Swansea City , who saw Tom Carroll, Jefferson Montero, Wilfried Bony leave on loan, with Leroy Fer and James close to joining them out of the exit door.
The Wales youngster was at Leeds' training ground and with his medical completed, a transfer to Elland Road looked all-but certain.
But the plug was pulled - quite literally at the 11th hour - and James headed back to South Wales.
Since that moment, James' form and reputation has skyrocketed, and the decision to block his move north looks wiser by the day.
An initial loan fee of around £1million was agreed, with a permanent deal of around £10million in the pipeline if Marcelo Bielsa's side were promoted to the Premier League.
Despite James being out of contract next summer, fees in excess of £15million have now been reported, with Manchester United said to be at the front of the queue for his signature.
Swansea are still in contract talks with the 21-year-old but it appears little progress is being made.
Hartson believes it is just a matter of time before he leaves for pastures new.
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"If they are offered in excess of £20million for Daniel, then it's difficult to turn down," Hartson told the Mirror .
"It would also be hard to deny the boy the chance to play for the likes of Manchester United.
"He was very close to going to Leeds on the final day of the January transfer window for £10million.
"But I believe Swansea pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute because they thought, at that price, it was a steal.
"The transfer was almost over the line. I believe his parents were at Elland Road with the lad, but Swansea then told Leeds the deal was off.
"It wasn't very nice for Daniel because he had probably pinned his hopes on joining Leeds, who then looked like they were on their way to the Premier League.
"The way things have developed could be better for both Swansea and the player.
"From the club's point of view, the transfer fee will at least be doubled - while Daniel could join one of the Premier League's top clubs.
"He is a special talent and very, very quick. He runs with the ball, can beat a man and can finish - I watched him score for Wales in only his second game, the winning goal against Slovakia.
"Ryan Giggs, the Wales manager, obviously believes in him. That was fantastic for his confidence."
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