Tottenham news: Hutton can't believe source's 'frightening' Daniel James reveal
Alan Hutton has claimed signing Daniel James would not be an upgrade for Tottenham - and so it is "strange" to see them pursue the winger.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and Aston Villa defender said the 24-year-old will not be a guaranteed starter for the London club.
On Tuesday (23 August), this site revealed that Antonio Conte's side have registered their interest with Leeds United in the Wales international.
The Yorkshire club want to keep hold of James this season.
The winger currently has four years remaining on his contract at Elland Road.
James was in the starting lineup as Leeds lost 1-0 to Brighton on Saturday (27 August).
Hutton suggested a move to Tottenham would be a "backwards step" for the forward.
"It’s a bit of a strange one for me," he told Football Insider.
"I think they’re heavily loaded when it comes to the top end of the pitch. I know he’s got that frightening pace that defenders hate.
"Is he an upgrade on what they’ve already got? I don’t think so. I think Lucas Moura can play in that front three, he can now play wing-back, [Ivan] Perisic can play wing-back, they’ve got competition everywhere. Of course you would like somebody with that profile in your club to add competition but he’s not coming to be a main starter.
"So, for Dan James, is that the right move for him at this moment in time? Yeah to go to a bigger club, they’re set up to win things, but you’re not a starter so it’s kind of a backwards step. It’ll be interesting to see if it actually happens because I don’t think it’s an ideal situation for him as a player."