The consequences of Southampton beating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final could be greater than simply beating the West Yorkshire side to the Premier League.
Southampton fans enjoyed an incredible day at Wembley as their team rode out early Leeds pressure before settling into the game and going ahead through Adam Armstrong‘s 24th goal of the campaign.
The striker has been a revelation this season and coolly fired Will Smallbone’s pass into the far corner for what turned out to be the only goal of the game.
Southampton beat Leeds three times this season, with Armstrong on target in all three encounters, so Leeds will be happy to see the back of the 27-year-old.
However, defeat in the play-off final might not be the end of the misery that the Saints inflict on Leeds, with a BBC pundit suggesting the south coast club could now make a move for one of their players.
Jon Newsome suggests Southampton could target Leeds player
By beating Leeds in the play-off final, Southampton won 30 games in all competitions for only the fourth time in their history.
Former Leeds player Jon Newsome was covering the game alongside sport editor Jonathan Buchan for BBC Leeds and the pair discussed the Leeds players that could now move on.
Newsome said: “Crysencio Summerville, yes, I can see him on his way, Willy Gnonto, yeah, I could see him on his way, Dan James, you know, frustrated, not even playing, been on the bench.”
With the mention of James, Buchan interjected: “Someone like Southampton might take a look at him.”
To which Newsome replied: “Absolutely. You know, Joe Rodon goes back. Ethan Ampadu, who has been great all season.”
Could Southampton target Dan James this summer?
Dan James certainly made an impact following his introduction in the 66th minute at Wembley, with his lighting pace always a worry for defenders.
He also came closest for Leeds, firing a strike off the underside of the crossbar that had Alex McCarthy well beaten in the Saints goal.
Despite his pace, James’ final product is often found lacking which is why it never really worked out for him at Manchester United.
Leeds allowed him to spend the last campaign on loan at Fulham as they were relegated from the top flight alongside Southampton, showing they were unconvinced by his ability to make a difference at the top level.
This season, James has scored 13 goals in the Championship, as well as providing six assists according to Transfermarkt.
However, whilst his pace is undeniably as useful asset, James does not seem to have the characteristics of the kind of player that manager Russell Martin would find attractive.
Martin is a manager who loves his side to be controlled and patient, picking their moment to unpick the opposition. James is erratic and unpredictable – often as much to his teammates as opposition defenders.
With that in mind, it would be a surprise to see Newsome and Buchan’s prediction come true, but perhaps James could be available for a price that tempts Southampton if they are after something slightly different.