West Ham United face the prospect of missing out on Jordan James after Championship rivals Wolves stepped up their pursuit of the £10million-rated Rennes midfielder.
The latest Jordan James West Ham transfer development comes only days after the Hammers joined a crowded race for the Wales international.
ReadWestHam reported on Sunday that West Ham were interested in James, alongside Wolves, Burnley and Middlesbrough.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side may now need to act quickly if they want to prevent one of their promotion rivals winning the race.
Jordan James West Ham transfer faces Wolves threat
talkSPORT now reports that Wolves are advancing in a move for James as they attempt to bring the 22-year-old back to English football.
Rennes are understood to want around £10m for the midfielder and prefer a permanent departure rather than another loan. James spent last season with Leicester City and emerged as one of their standout performers despite a difficult campaign for the Foxes.
He scored 11 Championship goals in 34 appearances, an impressive return from central midfield which helped attract interest from several clubs this summer.
West Ham’s interest remains particularly significant because midfield is an area Nuno is still looking to strengthen.
ReadWestHam reported earlier on Wednesday that James is one of three midfield options being considered, with Celtic’s Arne Engels remaining the club’s preferred target and Josh Mulligan another alternative.
Waiting for Engels carries its own risks, however. Celtic are reluctant to lose the Belgian while their Champions League campaign continues, potentially delaying any deal until later in the window.
Wolves advancing for James could therefore force West Ham into a decision.
James already knows the Championship well from spells with Birmingham City and Leicester, while his age means he could remain part of West Ham’s plans beyond a single promotion campaign.
There is still no indication that West Ham have submitted an offer.
But if Wolves are now making genuine progress towards a deal, one of Nuno’s alternative midfield options could soon disappear from the market.
