Wales midfielder Joe Allen reckons Swansea City star Daniel James is ready for a Premier League move - and revealed the moment he thinks Manchester United picked him out.
James' stunning rise to prominence over the past six months has been incredible, with a number of eye-catching displays in front of the TV cameras helping boost his profile no end.
He caught the attention of big-hitters United, along with a string of other top-flight clubs, as he put behind him his botched move to Leeds United on January 31.
Allen, who himself left the Liberty Stadium for Liverpool after the first season in the Premier League, pinpointed the exact game that put James in the limelight.
When Allen's Stoke City visited South Wales in April, James caused "carnage" - scoring once and getting two Potters players sent off.
“That was the day that probably sealed the potential Man United move. He was electric," Allen conceded .
"He scored, got two men sent off and caused carnage all game. It was one of the best individual performances I have ever seen as a fellow player. He looks ready to make the next step, if I am honest. He has the potential to be a top player and I think he is ready for it.
“When we went down to nine men, Ashley Williams got the short straw to go out to right-back to deal with him. I think Dan took it easy on him — and Ash was giving him about a 30-yard cushion.”
Allen, who will likely line up with James on Saturday for Ryan Giggs' Wales side in Croatia, added that the failed move to Elland Road on deadline day was a "blessing".
He added: “Leeds wouldn’t have been a bad move, of course not, but it has almost been a blessing it didn’t happen. In the second half of the season I think there is plenty of clubs above that level who have come to the fore and that is the sort of bracket he is in now.
"Second half of the season, he has been on fire."
United are reportedly close to tying up a deal with the youngster, as negotiations with Swansea stumble over a fee.
