Home Championship Ex-Leeds man discusses transfer target, lays into player's current club – 'Disgraceful'
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Ex-Leeds man discusses transfer target, lays into player's current club – 'Disgraceful'
John Pennington
Former Leeds United man Noel Whelan thinks Daniel James will not sign a new contract with Swansea City, whose behaviour he has branded "shocking" and "disgraceful".
The 21-year-old came close to signing for the Whites during the January transfer window but ultimately missed out on an eventual £10 million move to Elland Road.
James' contract with Swansea does not expire until the end of next season but his current employers can be expected to try to do everything they can to keep him to at the club – including offering a new deal.
Leeds are reportedly keen to try again to sign the Wales international in the summer – by which time they may be a Premier League club – amid potential interest from other top-flight clubs.
Whelan did not hold back when asked about James' future, criticising the Welsh club's behaviour after they cancelled the transfer at the last minute in January.
"There is no way he'll sign a new deal with Swansea," Whelan told the Football Insider website.
"The way they behaved was shocking and disgraceful.
"I felt really sorry for Dan James after what happened, as they cruelly took away the opportunity for him to play at Leeds."
And although he understands why the Swans will be keen to offer a new contract, he doubts James will sign anything.
"You can't blame Swansea for wanting to tie him down, but the kid is heading for Premier League, and the only way he'll sign a new contract is if it has a low release clause," Whelan, who made 51 appearances for Leeds, added.
Swansea lie 13th in the Championship following a 4-0 hammering by QPR on Saturday and are next in action when they host Rotherham United on Friday.
Leeds, meanwhile, are in second place and take on Wigan Athletic in their Good Friday fixture.
Daniel James
Noel Whelan
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John Pennington is a freelance writer and self-published author. An experienced online and print journalist and editor, John has written on football, cricket, hockey and rugby as well as politics. Born in Yeovil, he lives in West Sussex, England.
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