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Jordan James transfer latest with Middlesbrough one of four keen on the Wales international Middlesbrough were credited with interest in the Rennes midfielder Middlesbrough are one of a number of clubs who would love to sign midfielder Jordan James this summer, as a return to England from Rennes looks inevitable. The Welsh international midfielder spent last season on loan at Leicester City and, despite their shock relegation to League One, he emerged with credit and won the club’s Player of the Year award. James is said to be now keen on a return to the Championship, but French side Rennes are only said to be entertaining a permanent transfer said to be worth around £10 million this summer. Boro are understood to be keen on the 22-year-old, but reports suggest that West Ham, Wolves and Burnley are also all interested in a deal. Having already spent a lot this summer, James’ transfer is another, like Radek Vitek and Ashley Phillips, where Boro sources have indicated that, while keen, it is tough to do and they’re exploring multiple options to further strengthen in midfield. While Boro have spent ambitiously this summer in a bid to strengthen Kim Hellberg’s squad, they’re able to stagger payments across installments. However, if West Ham, Wolves and/or Burnley follow up their interest in James too, then the overall package for James, with wages and agent fees included, could rise beyond what Boro are able to pay. Wolves have been described in one report as 'desperate' to sign the midfielder. The other three sides have an immediate £40m advantage thanks to Parachute Payments after relegation from the Premier League, while all have been able to make further revenue on selling players too. Boro have had success so far this summer winning the race for targets they didn’t expect to get, however, and appear to be exploring the possibility of signing the 22-year-old at the very least. James came through the academy at Birmingham City, debuting for their first-team in the Championship, aged just 17. He moved to Rennes in France’s first tier in July 2024 in a deal reported to have been worth £4 million. He made 25 appearances in his first season but struggled to settle on the continent and spent last term on loan at Leicester where he scored 11 goals and added four assists in 34 appearances. ------------- Get Teesside Live Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive Boro news and features, transfer notebooks, comment and analysis from Eric Paylor, plus an ad-lite experience Join our WhatsApp community to get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.