Revealed: Leeds plot swoop for PL sensation who won multiple POTY awards

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Published on:

16 Oct 2019, 1:30 pm

Leeds United are set to keep tabs on Chelsea rising star Reece James this season, Football Insider understands.

The defender, 19, started the campaign with an ankle injury but he is now fully recovered and has been promoted to the first team by Frank Lampard.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider he's a possible loan option for January although that's only likely to be if he drops out of contention for a place at Chelsea.

Victor Orta and his recruitment team will also assess James more in the long term, with a view to making a swoop should they get promoted at the end of the season.

The director of football has previously revealed how Leeds kept tabs on Ben White for two seasons before signing him on loan from Brighton during the summer.

James is among a crop of outstanding young players at Chelsea who have benefited from the club's transfer ban.

He made his senior debut last month at right-back, scoring and providing an assist in a 7-1 League Cup thrashing of Grimsby Town.

The teenager then started the 2-1 Champions League win over Lille, playing 67 minutes in a wing-back role.

James spent last season on loan at Wigan Athletic and was such a success he won the club's players' and fans' player of the year gongs as well as a place in the Championship team of the season.

During his time in Lancashire he demonstrated his versatility by thriving in a number of roles.

In addition to his usual right-back role, he was also used at centre-back and right winger on occasions, and even in central midfield.

In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED that scouts of European giants have been 'BLOWN AWAY' by Elland Road player.

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