‘Keen to move’: Fabrizio Romano discloses transfer position of Birmingham City star who is Everton and Wolves target.
Birmingham City transfer news: one of their key players could leave the club this summer.
Despite Birmingham City’s relegation, Italian club Atlanta remains interested in midfielder Jordan James, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 19-year-old is expected to be in high demand this summer after the club turned down several offers from Serie A teams. James, who will be a teenager until July, was nominated for the Championship Young Player of the Year award and was a shining light in an otherwise sad season for Blues.
Everton, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Wolves, and Atlanta are among the Premier League clubs that have expressed an interest. His eight goals in 42 games for a failing Championship club earned him at least £10 million.
Birmingham will play in the third division of English football next season, and a reputable journalist has suggested that James might like to move on this summer. He is under contract until the summer of 2025, with the option to extend for another year, but he might leave this summer if a team negotiates a suitable transfer cost.
On Tuesday (May 21) evening, transfer guru Romano tweeted: “Atalanta continue to monitor Jordan James as a potential summer transfer target.”
“Welsh midfielder, keen to move away and try new chapter after Birmingham City turned down approaches for James from the Italian club last year.”
James’ season may not be done, as he could be called to the Wales squad for upcoming matches. The Dragons have not qualified for EURO 2024, but they will face Slovakia and Gibraltar ahead of their UEFA Nations League campaign, which begins in September.
His national team manager, Rob Page, believes the midfielder has demonstrated that he is capable of playing at the highest level.
James played for Wales in the winter, defeating a Croatian team that included Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric and Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic.
The 49-year-old acknowledged he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if James left St Andrew’s, but it could depend on if the Blues want to keep him and utilize him to drive their promotion push. Page also acknowledged to knowing there was ‘certainly’ interest in the athlete.
“I think he has proven at top international level, against top midfielders in Croatia, to name one team, [that] he is more than capable of playing at that level as a [number] six,” Page told BBC Sport Wales.
“I am aware that there is definite interest. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was gone. We will need to wait and see.
“It depends on Birmingham.” If they believe they can move straight back up next year and want to give it a shot, we will see.”
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