How Leeds could line up with Dan James and two more deadline day transfers

Transfer window potential deals

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Leeds are closing in on the capture of Manchester United winger Dan James, two years after they were on the verge of signing him from Swansea City. Here, Express Sport looks at how the Premier League side could line up if Marcelo Bielsa lands James and two other signings on transfer deadline day.

Goalkeeper: Meslier

Illan Meslier will continue in between the sticks after signing a new five-year contract earlier this month.

Meslier kept 11 clean sheets in 35 Premier League appearances last season as he helped Leeds to a ninth-placed finish in their first season back in the top flight.

His form saw him rewarded with a France under-21 debut over the summer, and Bielsa will hope the keeper’s upward curve can continue.

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Defence: Ayling, Struijk, Cooper, Firpo

Pascal Struijk could partner captain Liam Cooper, although Bielsa has other options including Robin Koch and Diego Llorente.

Junior Firpo will look to nail down the left-back spot following his move from Barcelona, with Luke Ayling at right-back.

However, both players could face competition from Stuart Dallas, who played all but nine minutes of Leeds’ Premier League campaign last term as he played in a whole range of positions.

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Midfield: Phillips; Raphinha, Dallas, Damsgaard, James

Able to play on either wing, Dan James looks set to battle it out with Jack Harrison for the left-wing spot, with Raphinha on the right.

Kalvin Phillips is a shoo-in as Leeds’ midfield screen, leaving two attacking midfield places up for grabs.

These could be filled by Sampdoria’s Mikkel Damsgaard and Calgliari’s Nahitan Nandez, who have both been on the Whites’ radar ahead of transfer deadline day.

Damsgaard is more commonly used as a winger but can play in the middle, and likewise from Nandez – although both would have to oust Dallas from the team.

Attack: Bamford

Bamford came to Leeds’ rescue against Burnley at the weekend, having received his first senior England call-up just a few days before.

Transfer deadline day done deals: Every Premier League move

The 27-year-old will continue to spearhead Bielsa’s attack, after scoring 17 top-flight goals last term.

And he will no doubt benefit from the service on the offer from the addition of another rapid winger in James.

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