Manchester United are said to be the favourites to sign Swansea City starlet Daniel James , whose reputation has increased dramatically since a failed move to Leeds United during the January transfer window.
The Whites had agreed a deal only for the move to be pulled on Deadline Day. Now Swansea, who had agreed to a £10m fee if Leeds were promoted to the Premier League , could earn upwards for £20m from selling the winger.
United continue to be linked with a move for the 21-year-old and former Wales striker John Hartson has provided his view on the player. The MEN understands that United are monitoring him but a deal is not close.
Hartson believes that Swansea knew they could land more money for James this summer by halting his move in January. The former Celtic man has now explained what United must do to acquire the player and why the move would be a good one.
"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."
Former Manchester City star Danny Mills has previously said that James should avoid United's turmoil but Hartson does not agree with that opinion.
"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," Hartson added.
"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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