5 ideal Jordan James replacements Birmingham City must consider if he leaves for Atalanta | OneFootball

Birmingham City's young midfield star Jordan James looks set to make a big move abroad, with Serie A side Atalanta pursuing the Welsh midfielder.

James has been a shining light for the Blues in what has been a turbulent first half of the season, which has seen them drop from the play-off positions to just above the relegation zone.

19-year-old James has contributed with five goals in 24 league appearances so far this season, starting on 12 occasions and averaging 50 minutes per game (Sofascore).

The promising Welshman could be on his way to the Bergamo-based side in a deal which could be worth up to €10million (£8.6 million) if Birmingham's asking price is met. Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, reported that Atalanta have already offered around 5m with bonuses for Jordan James and are willing to submit a higher bid. He also reported via his X account that the Italian side are confident of making the deal happen, with James keen on the move to the Serie A club.

has identified five ideal replacements for Jordan James if he departs St Andrew's.

Callum Styles

Callum Styles is a versatile left-footed midfielder and has already made 18 appearances for the Hungarian national team at 23-years-old.

The Barnsley midfielder has featured 18 times in League One so far this season, with the club sitting in sixth place pushing for a return to the Championship via the play-offs.

Styles has contributed in front of goal, scoring three times and providing two assists. He has averaged 1.5 shots per game in League One in the first half of the season.

The 23-year-old has previously played in the Championship, featuring 104 times in the division for Barnsley between 2019 and 2022, as well as making 22 appearances on loan at Millwall last season, scoring on one occasion.

Styles' versatility would make him a valuable addition for Birmingham, and he can also play at left back when required. He is contracted until 2025.

Cameron Brannagan

27-year-old Cameron Brannagan has been with Oxford United since 2018 after joining from Liverpool. The midfielder has been a key part of the Oxford United midfield since joining, making 267 appearances.

Brannagan has already featured 23 times in League One this season, scoring seven times in the process. The former Liverpool man has consistently been productive in front of goal from midfield, scoring 39 times in 235 League One appearances.

Despite being one of the most impressive midfielders in League One for the past few seasons, Brannagan has never secured a move away from the Kassam Stadium.

Han-Noah Massengo

Massengo is a highly rated young midfielder, but is yet to feature in the Premier League since moving to Burnley from Bristol City in the summer. Clearly surplus to requirements right now at Turf Moor, Massengo could be a useful option on loan at Birmingham City.

The 22-year-old was with Bristol City from the age of 18, before moving to Burnley, having made 99 appearances for the Robbins in the Championship.

Massengo's experience in the division from a young age and subsequent move to a Premier League side proves he is a quality player and could be an ideal addition for Birmingham as they look to improve in the second half of the season.

Luke McCowan

Birmingham manager Tony Mowbray could do much worse than bringing 26-year-old Luke McCowan to St Andrew's.

The Scottish midfielder has been a key part of a Dundee FC team which has had an impressive first half of the season back in the Scottish Premiership, following promotion back to the division.

Dundee FC currently sit in seventh place in the division, with 22 points from 18 games. McCowan has started in all 18 games, averaging 90 minutes per game in the Scottish Premiership.

The 26-year-old has contributed with three goals and two assists in the division, after a seven-goal season in the Scottish Championship last season as his side were promoted.

McCowan is also influential in Dundee's defensive work, averaging 1.5 tackles per game and 9.5 ball recoveries per game in the Scottish Premiership.

David Watson

If Birmingham are looking down the youth route to replace James, Kilmarnock's David Watson would certainly not be a bad choice to pick.

Kilmarnock have had a quietly impressive start to the season and find themselves in fourth place in the Scottish Premiership, with 31 points from their opening 22 games. 18-year-old Watson has been a key part of the side, featuring in 20 league matches, starting 17 times.

The young midfielder has contributed with three goals and two assists in those appearances and has already made 39 appearances for the Scottish Premiership side at 18.