Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes Daniel James admission amid Leeds and Brighton interest

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Daniel James remains a key part of his Manchester United squad following his goal in the 4-0 victory against Real Sociedad.
Daniel James has been linked with a move to Brighton and LeedsDaniel James has been linked with a move to Brighton and Leeds
Daniel James has been linked with a move to Brighton and Leeds

James, 23, was linked with summer and January moves away from Old Trafford with Brighton and Leeds both said to be keen on the former Swansea winger.

Brighton boss Graham Potter is a huge admirer of James and worked well with the Welsh international during his time in charge at Swansea.

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Potter was widely credited with the upturn in James' form at the Liberty Stadium which saw him earn his £15m move to Old Trafford in June 2019.

Game time at United has been limited this season but he impressed against Sociedad in the Europa League and has scored four in his last seven appearances for United.

“Dan has always been in my mind,” Solskjaer said “Always in contention. You can see his X-factor, his work-rate, his pace and his running in behind teams.

"I think he’s scored in his last couple of appearances now and he’s working every single day on improving his game so I’m delighted for him and he knows how much we value him.

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On his goal against Sociedad, Solskjaer said “I'm very pleased for Dan. It was a good goal. I liked his decision-making, that he went all the way without looking too early for a pass.

“I’m very pleased for him. He is getting back to his best again, Dan.”

James almost joined Leeds United in January 2019 but instead saw out the season with Potter and Swansea before United swooped that summer.

Leeds went knocking for James again following their promotion to the Premier League and it is believed they also tried to entice him to Elland Road once more last January.

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Potter's history and excellent working relationship with James means Brighton are rarely far from the speculation. James previously admitted he came close to quitting football earlier in his career, before having his confidence restored by Potter.

"I went to Shrewsbury on loan, I came back within a month and hadn't played a game - injured and feeling sorry for myself really," said James.

"I didn't think I was going to make it as a footballer. I wanted to go back on loan but the gaffer who was there at the time - he's at Brighton now - said to me 'I feel like you've got a big chance to play here'. He really put the confidence back into me to play."

Potter has spoken highly of his former charge. “I can see Dan’s qualities there. His pace is incredible. Then his ability to reproduce that pace often is of such a high level.

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“He has got that courage and resilience that people don’t see so much. He gets kicked all over the place but gets back up again.

“He has had to deal with personal circumstance off the pitch which I am sure have challenged him and he has managed to settle into a club like Manchester United

"Dan is an incredible lad. Such resilience, such personality, character."