x

Blues 'Leading Race' For Birmingham Midfielder - Ipswich Town News

Town are claimed to be the frontrunners in the chase for Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James.

According to HITC, the Blues are currently trying to do a deal to sign the Wales international, who is expected to leave the Midlanders following their relegation to League One and is available for a fee in excess of £10 million.

Newcastle United, Brighton, Brentford, Leicester and Southampton have previously been linked, while Europa League winners Atalanta are also said to be keen having made bids in January, but with Town currently in pole position.

Hereford-born James, 20, came through the ranks at St Andrew’s and won England U20 caps as a youngster having previously played for Wales at U15, U16 and U18 levels, before committing his international career to the Welsh, for whom he qualifies through his father, former Football League defender Tony.

James, who scored Birmingham’s goal in their 3-1 defeat to the Blues at Portman Road in February, has made 54 senior domestic starts and 50 sub appearances, scoring 10 goals.

Another central midfielder is very much on Town’s wishlist this summer, the Blues having lost out to Southampton for Portman Road old boy Flynn Downes.

James is contracted for only another year but with Birmingham having an option for a further season.


Former Wales boss Rob Page was a big fan of the midfielder: "He reads the game well, he’s athletic, he likes a tackle, he can pass the ball, he can head it … he ticks a lot of boxes; he has got everything.

"He is a great lad and he wants to work hard. He has got potential and we’re going to help him achieve that.”

Meanwhile, Town are continuing discussions with Blackburn regarding forward Sammie Szmodics with the two clubs inching towards an agreement which would see the 28-year-old join the Blues.

TWTD revealed that the Blues had made a move for the Colchester-born Irish international a fortnight ago with protracted negotiations having been ongoing even prior to that.

What to read next:

Town Continue Pre-Season at Aberdeen
Town face Scottish Premiership Aberdeen at Pittodrie in their second public friendly of the summer this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Town Women to Start WSL2 Season at Southampton
Ipswich Town Women will open their first ever second-tier season with a WSL2 away game at Southampton on Saturday 6th September (KO 2pm) with Nottingham Forest the first visitors to the JobServe Community Stadium, the Blues’ new home, the following weekend.
Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.