Ipswich Town backed to seal transfer for Jordan James - an "upgrade on Cameron Humphreys" | OneFootball

The Tractor Boys have landed on an exciting potential signing to close out their transfer window

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Ipswich Town have reportedly entered the race to sign Rennes midfielder Jordan James.

That’s according to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon page, where he revealed the Championship side’s interest in the former Birmingham City man.

It follows another update from Nixon, where he first revealed that Wrexham were eyeing a move.

We asked our Ipswich fan pundit, Adam Wilkin, for his thoughts on the proposed move, and the impact it might have on young midfielder Cameron Humphreys.

Jordan James solves Ipswich Town squad size issue

Speaking to Football League World, Adam said: “We definitely need a new central midfielder, and it's been quite interesting with the sort of profiles that we've been looking at.

“We’re tied with squad limits and numbers that we can actually register, and currently the squad is over the limit.

“We've got a couple of long-term injuries who we could de-register, but it feels like we're now at the point where we're looking for players who can cover multiple positions.

“James is probably one of those who would solve both our midfield depth, in terms of central midfield, in terms of quality in that central midfield, because I believe he's an upgrade on Cameron Humphreys, definitely in terms of experience. And you could probably argue he's an upgrade on Jack Taylor as well.

“We've been playing Szmodics and Chaplin as the two central tens, but they're very different roles, so Jordan James also provides a different profile in the ten role.

“So, the move makes a lot of sense in those terms, but I think it will definitely impact Cameron Humphreys’ game time.

“McKenna came out and said that he's a part of the squad but also hinted that if players do come in, he could then move on loan.

“I think either another League One loan or potentially even a Championship loan could be on the cards and would do them a lot of good.

“He's at the point in his career now where he needs to be playing football, and this could be the move that allows him to leave because he's no longer under 21 and now does take up a squad place if we were to register him.

“So a loan is the best move for his personal development and his future at the club if he's not going to get game time.”

Cameron Humphreys must seek a loan move if Jordan James arrives

Humphreys is, without doubt, a top talent who is now, as Adam notes, entering the stage of his career where he needs first-team football.

That much is clear from his loan to League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers last term, where he notched an incredible seven goals and six assists in 42 league appearances in the regular season.

Should James not arrive, Humphreys has made more than enough of a case to be afforded a step-up to Championship football, but he simply won’t match the experience of James. Ipswich are also said to be closing in on the signing of Norwich City's Marcelino Núñez in a deal that will strengthen their central midfield.

Despite a quiet season in France with Rennes, he notched eight goals from midfield in the Championship the season before that move from Birmingham, and is still only 21, so his development will naturally take priority were he to arrive at Portman Road.

A loan move away in that scenario is the only option for Humphreys, but as Adam nods to, his form for Wycombe last season suggests he could be ready for a go in the second tier.

James would be a top signing for Ipswich, but it would mean sanctioning a loan for Humphreys as quickly as possible, to ensure the best outcome for all parties involved.