West Ham 'set sights' on Jordan James' as Wolves hijack on the cards
· Mick Brown; Callum O'Connell · 2026-08-16T10:02:25+00:00 · nguồn gốc
West Ham 'set sights' on Jordan James' as Wolves hijack on the cards
West Ham United are planning to step up their interest in signing Rennes midfielder Jordan James in the closing stages of the window.
The 22-year-old was a standout star on loan at Leicester City last season, and following the Hammers' relegation, he is viewed as an option to bolster their midfield.
However, they are not alone in their pursuit amid interest from Championship rivals, most notably Wolves, who are believed to already be in talks with his club in France.
Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that James has been identified as a potential target, and a move could be made as they hope to beat their rivals to the deal.
The Wales was widely tipped to return to English football after leaving Leicester, and had attracted interest from Premier League clubs, but a return to the Chamionship is likely.
After completing the signing of Arne Engels from Celtic, West Ham could now move to sign another midfielder, with James high on their list of targets.
Could West Ham make a move for Jordan James?
Football Insider shared reports back in April that James was likely to be on the move this summer, with a host of clubs in the Premier League and Championship plotting moves.
West Ham are among those who have been keeping a close eye on his situation throughout last season and into the summer window, and could now be ready to make a move.
Despite the ongoing talks elsewhere, the Hammers could make a late move to complicate his situation in an attempt to lure him to the London Stadium.
"Jordan James is somebody who West Ham are very mcuh aware of," Brown told Football Insider.
"They'll have had scouts keeping a close eye on his performances last season, they'll know his pros and cons, and the fact he seems to be available this summer.
"The problem is, they're not the only ones, because there are other clubs who have also been impressed by him and are looking to lure him back to English football.
"Personally, I'm not entirely convinced that being a standout player in a terrible, relegated Leicester City team makes you good enough to make a big step up.
"But West Ham will know about him, and if they feel he ticks enough boxes, they could make an offer because they do want to strengthen in midfield.
"It's one of the positions that has been a priority there for a while, even when they were in the Premier League, so they want to bring in one or two in the near future.
"James could certainly be somebody they make a late move for if he is still availbale, it's just a case of watch this space."
Which other clubs are interested in signing James?
Wolves now look to be in pole position to land James unless West Ham make a late move, with the Black Country club also eyeing promotion at the first time of asking.
However, the Wales international has also attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs this summer, in a display of how highly regarded he is.
Football Insider previously revealed that Leeds United have been keeping tabs on James, who was very much on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window.
The likes of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Everton have also been linked with the midfielder, with all three clubs looking to bolster their options this summer.
However, a move to a top Chamionship club is most likely as things stand, and barring a late twist, he looks most likely to end up at Molineux.