Leeds United next manager favourite Daniel Farke has already made his feelings quite clear on Daniel James
Daniel James is set for a pivotal summer after spending the last campaign with Fulham
Leeds United are preparing for life back in the Championship after Premier League relegation was confirmed last month.
Sam Allardyce, parachuted in to guide them away from danger, could not do so and the Whites are now on the search for a new manager to help get them out of the second tier at the first time of asking.
Current favourite for the Whites hotseat is Daniel Farke, the former Norwich City manager. Bookies have him at 9/4 to succeed Allardyce at Elland Road at present, followed by Carlos Corberan and Steve Gerrard.
READ MORE: The Welsh sporting legends and stars whose kids have followed in their footsteps
The news that Farke is in pole position will be pertinent to Wales star Daniel James, who is set to return to the Leeds ranks after a season on loan with Fulham.
The Athletic report that the winger is to be part of the plans next term in Yorkshire, whoever the main man in charge is.
Farke is a known admirer of James, having tried to sign the former Swansea City man before he moved to Manchester United from south Wales back in 2019. He says he "always liked him" and explained why he couldn't get a deal over the line for the speedy attacker.
"I’m not surprised by how good James has been," Farke said just after the Welshman had penned terms for the Old Trafford side.
"I always liked him, but sadly there was no chance for us to get him when Man United called!
"To deliver that quickly on this level says a lot about his character."
Interesting stuff, especially should Farke get the call.
James left Manchester after two seasons and finally signed on at Leeds, but when Jesse Marsch arrived at the club the decision was made to loan him out - a call some supporters felt backfired.
James endured an up and down season with the Cottagers, struggling to nail down a starting spot but his manager on the banks of the Thames, Marco Silva, picked him out for praise at the backend of the campaign.
"Definitely, definitely (happy with James)," he said after the win over Everton.
“Not just him, I think him and Harry Wilson had a very good game.
“As I said, our two strikers, they don’t have this profile. They attack more in behind, and in the last few games it’s been a little bit more comfortable for some opposition sides to control the game.
“We have lacked some runs in behind and to punish them a little bit, and of course this game was important and that was the plan. Daniel James had a very good game, much better second half than the first.
“And Harry Wilson had a very good game from the first minute to the last. They deserve it as they’ve been working so hard on the training ground to get this chance. They got it, and they did well. I’m pleased for them because we’re talking about two great professionals.”
Wales boss Rob Page will hope to see James playing regularly next season, wherever that maybe.. The 25-year-old is set to play a big part in the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey over the next 10 days.
"I do think DJ (James) is a Premier League player," Page said.
"If I'm a Premier League manager and I find out he's available, personally I'd take him.
"I'm bound to say that because I'm his Welsh manager, but for me he always poses a threat.
"He still has things to work on, but with the pace he's got it is a brave team that plays a high line against him. I think he could easily play in the Premier League again."
READ MORE:
Tom Lockyer reveals why he collapsed at Wembley as he has heart surgery
Robbie Savage's son aims to play for Wales in next year and wants Man Utd chance
Ryan Giggs’ teenage son signs for Premier League club