Leeds United continue to be linked with a move for Manchester United’s Wales international Dan James.
The Elland Road club had initially been linked with a permanent £12m move for James, but it now appears a loan deal looks more likely.
That’s perhaps not that surprising if you look at what James’ true transfer value is considered to be.
Spoiler alert; it’s a little bit more than the £12m being quoted in reports.
According to the CIES Football Observatory, a research group within the International Centre for Sports Studies specializing in the statistical analysis of football, James’ true value is quoted as €76m (around £69m).
That may come as a surprise to many, with James having struggled at Old Trafford of late after a blistering start to life as a Manchester United player.
On those variables, James continues to be a key part of Ryan Giggs’ Wales side, while at just 22, age is firmly on his side.
And with James’ contract at Old Trafford having another five years to run, it makes sense that his value is relatively higher than the £15m United paid for him last year.
Leeds’ interest in James understood to be concrete now but looking at his true value, it’s little surprise any deal will only be a loan.
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