Potter: I’d love to coach James again
FORMER Swansea City boss Graham Potter is keen for a reunion with Manchester United winger Daniel James, according to reports.
The Athletic claims Brighton manager Potter “would relish” the chance to sign the winger, who has been heavily linked with a loan move to Leeds United.
James is said to be keen to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford – reports surfaced at the weekend that he had told United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of his desire to stay at the club – but his circumstances could change, depending on what United do in the final week of the transfer window.
The Premier League giants are still in pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.
That could cost them in the region of £100 million, but if it goes through it would sideline the Wales international further.
The 22-year-old started United’s opening-day defeat to Crystal Palace, before being replaced at half-time.
He was then left out of the squad for their second Premier League fixture against Brighton at the weekend.
Leeds have previously been linked with making a £12m permanent bid for James, a player they came so close to signing from Swansea in the 2019 January transfer window before the plug was pulled at the 11th hour.
But that falls well short of United’s valuation and the Old Trafford giants would only consider a loan move.
Even that is dependent on them bringing in new attacking players.
Brighton boss Potter, who oversaw James’s emergence in the Championship, said of James back in November: “I’m delighted for him. Probably this time last year he wasn’t playing this regularly for Swansea.
“But he’s a great lad, his sprinting ability is sensational, he’s so brave and he’ll get better and better with his final ball and execution.”
James said in response: “Obviously I know the gaffer well from last season.
“He takes big credit for why I am here today.”