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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Ryan Giggs gives verdict on Daniel James' proposed Man Utd move and youngster's availability for Wales

Ryan Giggs has revealed Daniel James is ready to play for Wales during the international break following what has been a turbulent period for the Swansea City youngster.

James did not travel with his international team-mates for a training camp in Portugal due to the tragic death of his father but was included in Giggs' squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers with Croatia and Hungary.

He linked up with Wales in Wrexham on Monday and travelled to Osijek on Thursday with the rest of the squad after having a medical with Manchester United ahead of a proposed move to Old Trafford from Swansea.

But Giggs is confident the 21-year-old is ready to make an impact on the international stage once again having done so on his competitive debut against Slovakia in March.

"He's fine, he's trained well. Obviously after the terrible news we had to be flexible and everything was on the table" said the Wales boss.

"I spoke to him numerous times over the last 10 days or so.

"He didn't come to Portugal but met up with us to train in Wrexham. He went home on Thursday but he's fine, he's in a good place.

"He's assured me that he's ready to play but we'll have to see how we go.

"He's a level-headed lad. I agree, a lot has gone on over the last 10 days. But he's been fine around the group so we'll just have to see whether he starts but football-wise he's trained well and I'm really happy."

James is expected to seal a move to Old Trafford in the very near future, with the Red Devils set to pay Swansea a fee of £15m plus add-ons.

He left the Wales camp early on Thursday to be put through his paces by United's medical staff.

And while Giggs previously stated he wanted his players to put their club futures on hold during the international break, he admitted it was better for all parties for James to head to United before travelling out to Croatia.

"You have to be flexible because you don't want things weighing on players' minds so if you can get it sorted it's better for us and for the player as well," added Giggs.

And when asked if it was a good move for James, Giggs simply responded: "It's not done yet!

"If it happens, I've said in the past, United are getting an exciting player that I know that Man United fans will get behind and enjoy watching him. It's fantastic for everyone, for Dan, for Manchester United and a good deal for Swansea City as well."

James will hope to be involved as Wales take on Croatia tomorrow afternoon, with Giggs' troops facing Hungary in Budapest three days later.

Wales will be without Aaron Ramsey, James Chester and Paul Dummett for the away double header but Ben Davies is set to be fit for both matches.

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