Jordan James pens Leicester City exit message ahead of big transfer scramble | OneFootball

Jordan James has shared a final goodbye message to Leicester City following his loan stint at the King Power Stadium

Jordan James has penned a final goodbye message to Leicester City, marking the end of his loan stint at the King Power Stadium.

The midfielder was a shining light in an otherwise poor Foxes team, who suffered relegation from the Championship to League One, amid a six-point deduction.

Leicester began the season with aspirations of landing an immediate Premier League return, but have instead fallen to the third tier 10 years on from their top-flight title triumph.

Despite the Foxes' Championship struggles, James produced an impressive return of 11 goals and four assists in 34 second-tier appearances.

Jordan James issues emotional Leicester City exit message ahead of transfer battle

Even though Leicester have been relegated to League One, James showed enough quality to prove himself as one of the best midfielders in the Championship, having previously impressed in the second tier with Birmingham City.

Therefore, several clubs will be keen to permanently sign the 21-year-old, who remains under contract with French outfit Rennes until the summer of 2028.

According to the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United are monitoring James' situation as Chris Wilder looks to bolster his midfield options ahead of next season.

Meanwhile, taking to Instagram on Monday, the Wales international wrote: "A frustrating season, in which we fell short in so many places. Gutted. I just wanted to come on here to say thank you for all the support this season. From the minute I arrived, I’ve felt nothing but love.

"An amazing club and fan base, and I wish you nothing but the best in the future. Thank you, Foxes."

James featured for just 18 minutes of Leicester's 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on the final day of the season, while his last goal came in April's 2-2 draw with Hull City.

That draw against the Tigers was the result which confirmed the Foxes' relegation to League One, but the former Birmingham man was once again able to prove his class while playing for a poor side.

James ended the season as Leicester's top scorer in the Championship, scoring two more than winger Abdul Fatawu, who most recently notched a goal in a 2-0 win over Bristol City in March.

Sheffield United, Jordan James switch could be perfect for both parties

Sheffield United are monitoring James' situation this summer, but the Blades won't be the only Championship club credited with interest in the talented Rennes man before the transfer window opens.

Wilder's men have endured an underwhelming second-tier campaign, landing a bottom-half spot.

However, having reached the Championship play-off final last year, the Bramall Lane club will be intent on re-establishing their promotion credentials next season.

James' Leicester performances prove that he is capable of playing for a side who are battling for promotion to the Premier League, rather than for a club who are worried about the prospect of relegation to League One.

Meanwhile, Rennes' decision to loan him to the Foxes in the first place shows that he is out of favour in France, while he has produced his career-best return of 11 goals and four assists since returning to the Championship.

Furthermore, Wilder has revealed that Sheffield United are open to selling midfield duo Gus Hamer and Sydie Peck this summer, making James an appealing option for the Blades.

The 21-year-old is capable of operating in Peck's deep-lying midfield role, while he can also produce Hamer-style attacking returns.