West Ham United is targeting a player who performed well in the Championship this season. West Ham Zone has reported that the club is "keen on signing Jordan James."
James has been on loan at Leicester City from Rennes this campaign. In 34 Championship games, he scored 11 goals and had four assists. However, a hamstring injury interrupted his season, and he was unable to prevent the Foxes from being relegated to League One.
The midfielder came through the ranks at Birmingham City, where he made 95 appearances in English soccer's second tier. He then got a chance in Ligue 1 with Rennes. However, he only played 25 times for the French side.
James is only 21, and despite Leicester being relegated, he still won the Championship's Young Player of the Year award. Another campaign in English soccer's second tier could be very good for his development. He has also been linked with Burnley, who have already been relegated from the Premier League.
Could Jordan James help West Ham get back to the Premier League?
West Ham now looks likely to be playing in the Championship next season after losing 3-0 to Brentford last weekend. Tottenham Hotspur also defeated Aston Villa 2-1, which leapfrogged Roberto De Zerbi's side over the Hammers and out of the relegation zone.
James may want to test himself in the Premier League; Everton and Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in the player. What is important is that James gets regular game time, which he did not get with Rennes.
West Ham could have a spot for James soon, as Mateus Fernandes is being linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. The Portuguese midfielder will likely leave the Hammers even if they stay in the Premier League. Many of West Ham's other top performers could also leave the club.
James is a similar player to Fernandes in that he is a central midfielder who can also play in attacking and defensive roles. His goal record in the Championship this season was very good, and he could do a job for the Hammers in the division in the next campaign.
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