Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to sell Anthony Martial ahead of Daniel James in the summer, according to the Athletic.
James joined Leeds United from the Red Devils on deadline day in the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £25 million following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
However, despite his sale late in the window, Solskjaer wanted to keep James ahead of Martial, with the Frenchman now keen on a move away from the club due to a lack of game time.
Solskjaer had reportedly given James assurances over his playing time at Man United, however a member of the club’s hierarchy informed him he would be seventh choice and he therefore opted to make the move to Elland Road.
James scored nine goals in 74 appearances at Man United and was often the man trusted in big matches under Solskjaer.
But with Ronaldo, as well as Jadon Sancho both arriving for big money moves, the Red Devils’ board took the decision ahead of Solskjaer to let him go.
James was a player that had been on Leeds’ and more specifically Marcelo Bielsa’s radar since all the way back in 2019, and they finally got their man in the summer.
And after a difficult start to life in West Yorkshire, James has begun to show his worth in recent weeks with some important performances both out wide and down the middle.
The 24-year-old has scored two goals and registered two assists in 18 appearances for Leeds, including a late header in the pivotal win over Burnley earlier this month.
