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Ian Mitchelmore

Man Utd, Liverpool, Tottenham or elsewhere? Where Wales and Swansea City star Daniel James could end up

Daniel James' focus will swiftly shift to international duty following the conclusion of Swansea City's 2018-19 campaign.

The Welshman - whose current Swansea contract expires next year - will be involved with Ryan Giggs' side for Wales' upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Croatia and Hungary next month.

But he will go into the Euro double-header at the centre of more frenzied speculation about his club future, which remains uncertain.

After starring under Graham Potter last term, James will become a wanted man this summer, Radio presenter claims Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs have enquired about Swansea City star

And having excelled for club and country since his failed move to Leeds United on transfer deadline day in January, the flying winger's stock has risen to even greater heights.

But where will he actually end up if the seemingly inevitable happens this summer?

We took a closer look at the contenders to sign James and assess where he may fit in.

Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are one of five top six Premier League clubs to make an enquiry about James, Radio presenter claims Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs have enquired about Swansea City star

And they even claim Wales boss Giggs has recommended James to his former club.

Anthony Martial's Old Trafford future appears uncertain, with the Frenchman struggling to impress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

And if the former Monaco and Lyon man was to depart, James could be the ideal man to slot in on the left and help give United a fresh cutting edge up top.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp's side have an abundance of talent in the attacking areas. Even behind the first choice trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, they have the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Adam Lallana.

Add to the mix the Wales duo of Harry Wilson - who is set to return to Anfield in the summer following a season-long loan at Derby - and Ben Woodburn and it's difficult to see how James would immediately slot in with the Merseysiders.

Daniel James' Wales team mate Harry Wilson is among those looking to break into the Liverpool side in the future (PA)

Man City

Some reports have previously linked the reigning Premier League champions with a move for the Wales youngster.

And after his side's FA Cup quarter-final victory over the Swans in March, Pep Guardiola admitted the Citizens had paid close attention to James when preparing for the match at the Liberty.

"James is incredibly fast, so it's not easy. We knew that, we spoke about it," said the Spaniard.

As with Liverpool, Guardiola's troops are stacked with gifted players at the business end of the pitch, as Riyad Mahrez has discovered since joining from Leicester.

It would be difficult to see James playing regularly at the Etihad Stadium, although he would certainly fit in with their style.

Chelsea

Maurizio Sarri's side are also one of the five top six clubs reportedly to have enquired about James, and with the futures of some Chelsea players remaining uncertain, the Blues may well be hoping to bolster their wide options.

However, their transfer ban - unless it's overturned after appeal - will undoubtedly complicate matters.

Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odoi have both been heavily tipped to move away from Stamford Bridge while Pedro and Willian are both in the twilight years of their careers.

Christian Pulisic will of course come in. But given James' versatility, he would certainly appear to fit the bill, although, as mentioned, it may be one that might not be able to happen, even if the Blues actually want to secure a deal.

Eden Hazard slides to his knees to celebrate his goal against Cardiff City (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Arsenal

The Gunners have regularly deployed wing-backs under Unai Emery while they have also operated in a 4-3-1-2 formation.

And due to their current systems, a winger may not feature prominently on their list of priorities, unless James was to shift infield.

Tottenham

Spurs have generally adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation this term, similar to what the Swans have used for the majority of the campaign under Potter.

The advantage here would of course be that James can play in any of the front four positions, although he'd have a tough task on his hands to replace the deeper attackers such as Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli or Son Heung-min.

Other destinations appear to fit the bill far better, although under Mauricio Pochettino's tutelage, few would doubt that James could become a top player at Spurs.

Bournemouth

David Brooks has been the perfect example of a young Welsh player making the step up from Championship to Premier League level.

The prospect of two Wales wingers in tandem at the Vitality Stadium is certainly a mouth-watering one, although the likes of Ryan Fraser and Josh King would have something to say about that.

What Swansea City desperately need this summer and the stark reality of their transfer policy

David Brooks has been a sensation in the past year (Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

Newcastle United

This is certainly an intriguing one. James appears to be an ideal fit for Rafa Benitez's side, who have often operated in a 4-3-3 formation, and in a 4-5-1 type system when going more defensive.

He would give the Magpies some additional pace to add to that off record signing Miguel Almiron.

But - as would be the case with Bournemouth - Newcastle would be unlikely to emerge victorious if a bidding war unfolded involving the aforementioned sides. Although, you feel he'd be guaranteed regular action.

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Leeds United

James was pictured at Elland Road in January. But former chairman Huw Jenkins pulled the plug on a deal at the last minute.

To his credit, James has flourished since that failed move to Marcelo Bielsa's side. So much so, many now believe the youngster is worthy of a switch to one of the Premier League's big guns.

Leeds could yet gain promotion into the top flight via the play-offs, and if they were to return to the promised land, you certainly couldn't rule out James making the switch to Yorkshire.

Jack Clarke, Ezgjan Alioski and Stuart Dallas can all play on the left flank for Leeds, although Bielsa is clearly a big admirer of the Welshman.

But in truth, if the Whites fail to go up this season, you have to feel James would go elsewhere.

Swansea City

Whatever your views about what the future holds, the facts state that James is a Swansea player and still has another year left on his existing deal with the club he joined from Hull City as a teenager in 2014.

James is obviously a player the Swansea faithful adore, as do the players, coaching staff and Potter himself.

The club will hope he can sign fresh terms to strengthen their position in the market. And as seen on numerous occasions in previous years - more so under the previous chairman - the Swans have been reluctant to sell on the cheap.

Although that may be difficult in this situation due to the club's financial situation following last year's relegation.

Radio presenter claims Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs have enquired about Swansea City star

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