Why Ipswich Town star Cameron Humphreys must be seething at Jordan James transfer news | OneFootball

Cameron Humphreys' gametime could take a real hit if Town acquire the Welsh midfielder

It has been made no secret that Ipswich Town have been looking to bolster their midfield department following relegation from the Premier League, with the Tractor Boys linked with a handful of high-profile potential transfer moves.

Despite being tipped by many to make an immediate return to the top-flight ahead of the likes of Southampton, Leicester City and big-spending Birmingham City, such is the talent at Kieran McKenna's disposal in many areas, the Northern Irishman is on the lookout for further strength in-depth.

The midfield department at Portman Road is certainly intriguing when assessing McKenna's options on paper, with Town able to fend off European competition to sign the formerly impressive loanee, Lens Cajuste, on a permanent basis, as well as the signing of the highly-rated Ator Matusiwa from Stade Rennais.

Both the aforementioned signings have softened the blow of losing long-serving captain and modern-day cult hero, Sam Morsy. However, Town remain in the market for a box-to-box, creative playmaker.

After seemingly getting nowhere in their ambitious pursuit of Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney - who has since stated his desire to leave the Riverside Stadium to a Premier League club - Ipswich have now turned their focus to Jordan James, also of Rennes. It has emerged overnight that Marcelino Núñez will be arriving from Norwich City, adding further depth to the midfield, with other links still lingering.

But, there is one man currently among the ranks whose frustration would increase should McKenna land the Welsh international on top of Núñez.

Ipswich Town set to battle Wrexham AFC for Jordan James' signature

James, a product of the successful Birmingham City academy, has been with the Brittany-based club for 12 months after leaving St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park for a fee in excess of £8m.

On the face of it, it's not hard to see why Ipswich, alongside Wrexham, who have invested over £23m in new recruits thus far, are looking to sign the 21-year-old, who was previously nominated for the Championship's Young Player of the Season award in Blues' relegation campaign of two seasons ago, in which he still registered eight goals in 42 league games.

French outlet, L'Équipe, had claimed that the Red Dragons and Rennes were in negotiations over a €5m deal, before Alan Nixon revealed Wrexham were prepared to outbid Parma and the Tractor Boys for James' signature. However, a fresh update states that the tables have somewhat turned, with Town making contact with Rennes despite the fact the Welsh side's bid remains higher at present.

Whilst this would represent a statement signing as Ipswich look to kickstart their season after two draws and a defeat against Birmingham City, Southampton and Preston North End, Cameron Humphreys will be left scratching his head on a personal level.

Cameron Humphreys would surely be left frustrated by fresh Ipswich Town, Jordan James developments

Cameron Humphreys is someone who has remained highly-rated by those on the inside at Portman Road after progressing through the academy ranks, yet has only made 42 senior appearances for the club since his debut against Newport County in August 2021.

A similar player to James, his high ceiling of potential was rewarded with the signing of his current deal back in January 2023, although that is set to expire next summer at present, and if the 20-time Welsh international was to sign between now and Monday's transfer deadline, it could indicate where Humphreys' long-term future lies.

The 21-year-old came into his own last term, enjoying a fine campaign at Wycombe Wanderers of League One in what was his maiden loan switch away from Suffolk, and he showcased exactly why Matt Bloomfield initially targeted his services with a total of seven goals and six assists in 50 appearances.

Humphreys' underlying numbers also matched up with a composure and creative nous way beyond this stage of his career, producing a further 11 big chances and posting 1.1 key passes per game, as well as never shirking away from midfield battles in a league known for its physicality.

At the time of his most-recent contract extension, Ipswich CEO, Mark Ashton, stated: "While he is young and still has a lot of development to come, Cameron is a fine example of what can be achieved within the pathway that our academy creates."

It is clear that those attributes have gone up tenfold during a successful loan at Adams Park, and Humphreys will be, unsurprisingly, desperate to prove himself in a side expected to be competing at the top end of the Championship and fulfill the remainder of his potential.