JAMES A PREMIER PLAYER, SAYS ROB
DAN JAMES deserves a move back to the Premier League this summer.
That is the opinion of his Wales manager Rob Page.
James spent last season on loan at Fulham, but went down with Leeds United’s sinking ship as he returned to the relegated club once the campaign was over.
The 25-year-old former Manchester United winger moved to Leeds for £25million two years ago.
But he was loaned to Fulham as former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch decided he could do without the services of the 43-times capped Welsh international.
“I do think DJ is a Premier League player and I think he could easily play in the Premier League again,” said Page.
“If I was a Premier League manager and I found out he was available, personally, I’d take him.
“I’m bound to say that because I’m his Welsh manager, but for me he always poses a threat.
“He still has things to work on, but with the pace he’s got it is a brave team that plays a high line against him.”
Leeds are keen to hold onto James, who was extremely effective in the Championship with Swansea City.
It was his form there that earned him a dream £15m move to Old Trafford four years ago.
He was bounced on to Leeds and then Fulham and although he was not a regular starter under Marco Silva, he still managed to make 20 appearances in the Premier League as Fulham finished 10th.
James looks certain to be picked by Page for Wales’ upcoming Euro qualifiers at home to Armenia next Friday and in Turkey three days later.
But in a different role to the one that saw him make little impact at the World Cup.
Page added: “It was a frustrating few months for him when I played him at centre forward with Gareth Bale.
“Now, we’ve changed and he is back out in his natural position
“He likes playing wide left and the way we play now suits us because he gives us the width on the left.
“He’s that option in behind and when you’ve got a tool like that in your armoury, it really is effective.
“Even at the top level in the Premier League, and at international level, he poses a threat.”