Leeds United could sign themselves a huge Dan James upgrade in Villareal flier Arnaut Danjuma.
What's the story?
Reports in recent months had suggested that the winger had caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, including the Whites, but it was Villareal who eventually won the race for his signature.
However, it's since been claimed in recent weeks that Marcelo Bielsa's side have had scouts watching the Dutchman this season, including monitoring him during his side's Champions League clash against Manchester United.
Speaking to This is Futbol about the fresh links to Danjuma, former Leeds man Carlton Palmer said: "He’s an exciting player. He’s got flair, he’s got pace and he scores goals. He scored 17 goals in the Championship and I think he’s got six in all competitions so far. But I just don’t see where Leeds would have the money to bring him in.
"He certainly fits the model that Bielsa is looking for, you know, in the way he plays, that he’s 24 years of age, so everything works."
Upgrade on Dan James
The former Cherries speedster netted 17 goals and provided another eight assists in all competitions last season, and it was no surprise that his performances earned rave reviews.
Speaking on The Official EFL Podcast, former Cherries boss Jonathan Woodgate said: "He’s an exceptional player, in a really good place at the minute, Arnie. He’s another one who I’ve always done a lot of work on him at his previous clubs, so I knew all about him coming into this role, I knew what type of player he was.
"He made an unbelievable run for one of the goals, I showed him that, but then I showed him what he did winning the ball back, when he had to sprint 50 yards and get the ball back. That’s what makes a really good player, for me, getting that work rate in because we know, with the ball his feet, he’s a top player. Can he do the rest going the other way? And he’s starting to show that now, so yeah, he’s doing well."
When you compare his end product in particular with James, then it really is night and day.
Danjuma's haul of 17 goals last season is actually already more than what the United man has managed in his entire professional career - just 15 strikes in 119 games.
And, as per Whoscored, the Villareal ace already averages significantly more shots, key passes and dribbles per game this season than James, while he's bagged four goals in seven La Liga appearances compared to none for the Leeds star.
With James set to turn 24 next month - the exact same as Danjuma right now - it's the latter who appears to be the right man for the job at Leeds, and actually giving Bielsa some genuine quality from out wide.
The £22.5m-rated star could form an exciting wing duo with Raphinha at Elland Road and appears to be far better than what Leeds signed in the summer with James.