It is highly likely West Ham will need to sign a replacement for brilliant midfielder Mateus Fernandes and it seems Jordan James is hinting it could be him.
West Ham are eyeing a mix of younger, Championship stars and senior professionals in their bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
New Hammers majority owner Daniel Kretinsky has plugged the financial black hole at the club with his purchase of an additional 16 per cent of West Ham injecting the £90m needed to satisfy financial regulations by the end of June.
Kretinsky will fund West Ham’s transfer war chest for a swift Premier League return according to a leading journalist.
Jordan James appears to drop West Ham move hint amid links
That takes the pressure off to sell players to raise funds – but Mateus Fernandes is still expected to leave with a host of elite clubs interested in the midfielder.
West Ham believe Man United have the edge over Arsenal for Fernandes because they are willing to pay his £80m valuation.
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A replacement will be needed and West Ham have had their eye on another talented 21-year-old midfielder as an heir to Fernandes.
It has been widely reported that West Ham are set to make a move for Stade Rennais central midfielder Jordan James after his season on loan at Leicester City.
The midfielder, who was touted for the very top as he emerged through the Birmingham academy, was named the EFL Young Player of the Season last term despite the Foxes’ relegation to League One.
James scored an incredible 11 goals from a deep midfield role.
Leicester had a £5m option to buy in their deal but relegation put paid to that plan.
That has opened the door to West Ham, who – according to Football Insider – may have to pay up to £15-20m for James after his stellar season from a personal point of view.
Fernandes heir James goes on West Ham following spree
Now James may have dropped a big hint over a move to West Ham with his social media activity.
Because the Hereford-born star has gone on a spree of following West Ham stars and accounts.
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Taking to his Instagram, James has suddenly started following Crysencio Summerville, West Ham’s official account, Dimitri Payet, Hammers skipper and fellow Hereford boy Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, departed Academy graduate Aji Alese and former fan favourites Pablo Fornals, Vladimir Coufal and Kurt Zouma.
While that does not necessarily provide any guarantees James is on his way to the London Stadium, it seems rather telling – and encouraging – that he went on a very West Ham-specific spree.
Former Hammers star Craig Bellamy manages James with Wales and will undoubtedly have nothing but good things to say about the club.
Bellamy says West Ham fans were the best he ever played for.
Earlier this month Bellamy reacted as he was linked with the Hammers job.
What Jordan James would bring to West Ham
James would bring energy, aggression and versatility to West Ham United.
The Wales international already has 23 caps and is a modern box-to-box midfielder who covers ground well, presses intensely and is comfortable carrying the ball through midfield.
Like Fernandes, James plays with a maturity and competitive edge that belies his tender years.
He is more than willing to do the hard work out of possession while also contributing in attacking areas – much like the man he could replace in east London.
James brings athleticism and dynamism to a West Ham midfield that will be sorely lacking legs and intensity if Fernandes is sold.
He is capable of operating as a No. 8, a deeper central midfielder or in a more advanced role, giving Nuno tactical flexibility and the opportunity to play him alongside highly-rated midfield monster Mohamadou Kanté.
James has the drive, work rate and potential for further development too, making him a clever signing who could improve the team immediately while also growing into a key player for years to come.
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