Wayne Veysey

Wed 30 January 2019 11:02, UK

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O’Rourke

Leeds are confident of landing Swansea City winger Dan James in a deal worth up to £8million before Thursday’s transfer deadline, Football Insider understands.

As revealed by Football Insider back in November Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa had identified James as one of his top targets long before the opening of the January transfer window.

Leeds’ hierarchy are in advanced talks over landing the Wales international and are now ready to back Bielsa by offering an initial fee of £5million rising to £8million with add-ons.

Bielsa is a big fan of the James and sees the Wales international as being someone who could prove the difference in their bid to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

James scored in Swansea’s draw with Birmingham on Tuesday in what could prove to be his final game for the club.

Swansea are reluctant to lose the exciting wide man, but know they need to balance the books at the Liberty Stadium after suffering relegation last season and still having a number of big earners on the books at the club.

Leeds are prepared to go right to the wire before the transfer window slams shut as they look to add James to their squad to boost them for the final push for promotion.

In other Leeds United transfer news, it can be revealed a huge bid has just been tabled for an Elland Road first-team star.