How Man Utd could line up with Daniel James next season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plots move

Manchester United are on the verge of striking a £15m agreement for Swansea winger Daniel James, according to Sky Sports.

The 21-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in Britain and has been talked up by Wales manager and United legend Ryan Giggs.

James is capable of playing on both wings, as well as through the middle, and has registered 11 goal involvements in the Championship this season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would likely deploy James on the right of a Manchester United front three if he signs, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in attack too.

Giggs has pinpointed the Wales international’s speed as a valuable asset which can help take teams apart.

“[James is] a talent,” Giggs said in March. “When you’ve got that raw pace, you’re a threat at any level so as a winger obviously for me playing as a winger, when I was younger, you then have to develop the other parts of your game which I feel he is doing.

“He’s played up front as well which will help him because that gives you an appreciation of what you need to do.”

When asked about potentially signing James on Friday morning, United boss Solskjaer was coy but admitted he wants deals wrapped up quickly.

“Well it’s been mentioned, I don’t know how many names have been mentioned since I’ve come in,” Solskjaer said. “There’s players that I’ve barely seen that I’ve read we are going to sign.

“There’s loads of speculation, but the earlier you can do the transfers the better it is. When you come in on the first of July, you like to have a nice picture of what this team is going to look like.”

Rashford is in Barcelona’s sights, though Express Sport understands Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees him as a long-term part of his plans.

Martial, meanwhile, has fallen foul of the Norwegian’s high standards since signing a new deal but is expected to stay put.

Livewire midfielder Jesse Lingard might be charged with providing the ammunition for United’s youthful front three.

The playmaker has endured a difficult 2019, however, he will be required to step up if Paul Pogba and Juan Mata leave.

Scott McTominay is poised to have a key role for United going forward having stepped up once again this season.

He would form a solid base for United’s midfield if paired alongside the vastly experienced Nemanja Matic.

There is uncertainty over the future of David de Gea, with the goalkeeper yet to extend his contract beyond 2020.

Despite being in limbo, it is anticipated De Gea will remain at Old Trafford and retain his place as No 1 after taking the summer to reinvigorate himself.

With Antonio Valencia on his way out of United and Ashley Young set to become a squad player, the time is right for Diogo Dalot to make right-back his own.

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, who was named United’s Player of the Year on Thursday night, will operate on the left side of defence.

Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof will figure in central defence if Solskjaer does not make a big-money defensive signing over the summer.

Man Utd starting XI next season: De Gea, Dalot, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw, Matic, McTominay, Lingard, James, Rashford, Martial

source: express.co.uk