Jordan James transfer to Wolves: What is actually going on? | OneFootball

Wolves are interested in signing Jordan James from Rennes, but they are yet to make a breakthrough to bring the midfielder to Molineux.

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the deadline, with the 2-2 draw against Blackburn showing Wanderers are lacking in certain areas.

The Black Country outfit required a stoppage time penalty from Raul Jimenez to salvage a point against a Rovers side that had been tipped for relegation, in what was an alarming second half performance.

Of course, it’s only the opening day, but the fans would’ve expected more from a side that was packed full of players who have plenty of Premier League experience.

The bullish claims from chairman Nathan Shi leading into the transfer window haven’t been backed up yet, so fans will be hoping for a busy end to the window at Molineux, and one player who is believed to be on Wolves’ radar is Jordan James.

The Welsh international is currently contracted to Rennes, and here we provide the latest on his proposed transfer to Wolves…

Wolves boss outlines need for midfield reinforcements

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Peixoto has stated that he wants a right winger and a central midfielder to enhance the squad as a matter of a priority, and he made it clear that he wanted someone to bolster the middle of the park after Joao Gomes left for Aston Villa.

The Brazilian joined Unai Emery’s side on July 20, so the lack of progress in the last month will surely concern Peixoto, who started with Marshall Munetsi alongside Andre against Blackburn.

Whilst the Zimbabwe international scored the opener with a good finish, his 52% pass success rate highlights his limitations, and Wolves will struggle to implement the style of play Peixoto wants with him in the team.

Championship rivals had been keen on Jordan James

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Following on from that, it was reported that Wolves were among a host of clubs tracking James, who excelled in the Championship with Leicester last season, where he scored 11 goals in 34 games.

That saw him named as Young Player of the Year, but the Foxes’ relegation meant they couldn’t keep him at the club, so he is back on the market, and it was said that West Ham, Burnley and Middlesbrough were also monitoring James, along with Wolves.

Wolves emerge as frontrunners for Jordan James

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However, in a recent development, TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook suggested a move to Molineux was on the cards for the ex-Birmingham City man, as he confirmed the Old Gold were ‘advancing’ with a move for the player.

With West Ham signing Arne Engels, and Middlesbrough having brought in Sebastian Berhalter, it appeared Wolves had stolen a march on their promotion rivals in the pursuit of James.

Wolves yet to finalise Jordan James transfer

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Yet, there have been no concrete developments since that update last week, so it remains to be seen if Wolves are making progress behind the scenes.

Of course, that may not be all down to the club, and James may be holding out for longer in the hope that Premier League interest may emerge late on.

But, there’s no denying the delay has frustrated Wolves supporters, who feel a new midfielder is vital, and they had hoped a deal for James would be wrapped up in time for him to feature at Preston on Saturday.

Rennes set to demand £10m for Jordan James

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James is out of favour at Rennes, so he is available for £10m, which shouldn’t be a stumbling block for Wolves considering they have already sold Gomes, whilst Jorgen Strand Larsen, Emmanuel Agbadou and Jhon Arias brought in around £80m in January.

Given his age, pedigree and potential, most would see £10m for James as a bargain in the modern game.

Wolves must do all they can to win Jordan James transfer race

Ultimately, James is the exact profile of player that Wolves need in midfield, and he represents a major upgrade on Munetsi.

Like the ex-Reims man, he is powerful, but James has more technical qualities that can help Wolves control games in the middle.