Wolves are 'screaming' for 22-year-old - they must beat West Ham to transfer | OneFootball

Wolves fan pundit Thomas Woodhall told FLW that Jordan James must be a priority signing for the club, as they battle three clubs for his signature.

Wolves have been told to do all they can to complete the signing of Jordan James ahead of Championship rivals West Ham, Burnley and Middlesbrough.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Leicester, and despite the Foxes’ relegation, it was an excellent campaign for the midfielder, who scored 11 goals and was named as Young Player of the Year in the Championship.

Given their situation, Leicester were unable to pursue a permanent move for James, so he has returned to Rennes, although he is yet to feature in a pre-season game for the French club.

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Jordan James transfer latest as Wolves, West Ham, Middlesbrough and Burnley circle

Therefore, a summer move has always been on the cards, and it had been claimed that Fulham and Atalanta were among James’ admirers.

Yet, neither club has pushed forward to sign the player, and journalist Alan Nixon has now revealed that James is considering a move to the Championship.

He added that Wolves are ‘desperate’ to sign the ex-Birmingham City man, with West Ham, Middlesbrough and Burnley also tracking the Welsh international, who could be available for a fee in the region of £10m.

Wolves urged to finalise transfer move for Jordan James

It’s easy to see why Wolves are keen on the midfielder, as Joao Gomes’ departure for Aston Villa has left them one player short in the middle of the park.

Cesar Peixoto has already made it clear that he wants a new midfielder, and James would appear to be the perfect fit to play alongside Andre at Molineux in Wolves’ best XI.

And, when quizzed by FLW about the battle for his services, Wolves fan pundit Thomas Woodhall was adamant that James is exactly the player they are lacking right now.

“We’re screaming for a player like James. I think Andre is perfect for the number six role, and we’ve got Fer Lopez, Adam Armstrong and maybe even Hwang Hee-chan and Sasa Kaladjzic, who can play the number ten.

“But, that number eight role was Joao Gomes’ last year, and you could argue he struggled offensively a little bit. He was much more efficient at breaking up play and defending.

“James is the number eight, who is box-to-box and can attack and defend. He’s creative, he’s a good Championship player, he has experience elsewhere too.

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“I think Tommy Doyle and Marshall Munetsi are definitely in contention (to play), but I don’t think they offer as much as James in terms of productivity. I don’t think they’re at the same level, or can do as much as he can.

“So, yeah, I really hope that this deal can get done. I’m hoping if it’s between us and West Ham, that the pull of London doesn't beat the pull of being closer to home, as James came through at Birmingham, and his family are from near the area.

“Hopefully, the appeal of being close to home can help get this deal over the line, and with James considering a Championship club, we can sell him the project and he can join.”

Jordan James could flourish under Cesar Peixoto at Wolves

Following on from that, most Wolves fans would agree that James is one of the final missing pieces that they need before the deadline.

There are a few issues that need addressing, and an all-action number eight is arguably one of the priorities.

Marshall Munetsi is likely to start the season in that role, and whilst he can be effective, he doesn’t boast the quality on the ball that James has.

If James did partner Andre, Wolves would arguably have the best midfield pairing in the league, and when you add in the likes of Kieran Trippier, Fer Lopez, Mateus Mane and Raul Jimenez, then they would be hard to stop in this promotion race.