West Ham have joined the growing transfer battle for Wales international Jordan James as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to strengthen his midfield before the Championship season begins.
The 22-year-old has returned to Rennes following an excellent loan spell with Leicester City, but his future in France remains uncertain.
Transfer journalist Alan Nixon now reports that West Ham are interested in James alongside Championship rivals Wolves and Burnley.
Middlesbrough are also in the race, while Premier League clubs Fulham and Crystal Palace have previously been linked.
The72, citing Nixon’s latest Patreon update, reports West Ham are among the clubs pursuing James.
Follow-up reports have placed his potential valuation at around £10million.
Jordan James could solve West Ham midfield problem
James would arrive with considerable Championship pedigree despite his age.
The Wales international spent last season on loan at Leicester and produced 11 goals and four assists in 34 appearances.
Those numbers are particularly impressive for a central midfielder and underline why competition for his signature is building.
West Ham have already seen changes in that area of the squad this summer.
Freddie Potts has departed, Edson Álvarez has faced uncertainty over his future and Mateus Fernandes’ exit removed one of the side’s most progressive midfielders.
ReadWestHam highlighted Lewis Orford’s growing first-team case following Saturday’s win over Portsmouth, but Nuno will still need enough midfield depth to cope with a 46-game Championship season.
James would bring something different.
He has already demonstrated that he can score regularly from midfield at this level, while his age also fits the profile of a player who could increase in value if West Ham secure promotion.
FotMob records 11 goals and four assists from 2,127 Championship minutes last season, with James ranking particularly well for attacking output among midfielders.
The challenge is beating the competition.
Wolves and Burnley can sell the same immediate-promotion project as West Ham, while Premier League interest could prove harder to overcome if it becomes concrete.
For now, West Ham are firmly in the race.
With the Championship opener approaching, Nixon’s latest update gives Nuno another serious midfield option to consider.
