Birmingham City look set to keep hold of starlet Jordan James, after talks with Serie A side Atalanta have reached a standstill, according to reports by Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere di Bergamo.
As the end of the January transfer window looms, the West Midlands outfit have secured two new signings this month under the tenure of Tony Mowbray, with Andre Dozzell arriving on loan from QPR while South Korean midfielder Paik Seung-ho made his move to St Andrews this morning.
Although their business this month has been limited, it is understandable considering how busy Birmingham were during the summer transfer window, with 12 new faces arriving to the club under the new ownership of American businessman Tom Wagner.
However, Birmingham and Mowbray will be keen on adding some more bodies to the group during the next few days, but they have had to be equally as wary about outgoings, as rising star Jordan James’s future has been a major talking point over the month.
Having pursued James throughout the course of January, Atalanta are reportedly frustrated about Birmingham’s reluctance to let the 19-year-old depart.
Birmingham slapped a €10million (£8.6m) price tag on James, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, whereas the Italians have only been prepared to offer €5million (£4.3m) for the prospect.
According to Italian outlet TuttoAtalanta, there remains a significant gap in both clubs’ valuation for the Championship star, and a deal is unlikely to come to fruition unless Atalanta stump up significant funds to conclude the transfer.
As for Corriere di Bergamo, they believe Atalanta are ready to give up on a deal for James this January, with talks set to reopen in June about a potential swoop in the summer.
Jordan James’s agreement was altered by Wayne Rooney’s sacrifice.
While Wayne Rooney was still leading Birmingham, Football Insider claimed at the beginning of January that Blues had accepted a £4.3 million deal from the Italian team for the Welsh international.
Nevertheless, the agreement was altered when the former Manchester United forward was fired after just 83 days in command, leading the lower league team to increase their asking price for the teenage wonder.
If James is to make a dramatic late move away from Blues, his likely switch will be to the Premier League, as Wolves have enquired about the midfielder as well as Crystal Palace, according to the Daily Mail.
Jordan James’s news gives Birmingham City hope
Despite the interest from the top flight, it does not appear a West Midlands switch or a move to South London will materialise, as Wolves manager Gary O’Neil admitted his transfer plans for this window have been marred by the clubs’ financial restrictions.
Crystal Palace have recently agreed a £22 million fee for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton, as per journalist Craig Hope, which means it is unlikely Roy Hodgson’s side would pursue another midfield target for such a sizeable fee.
Barring any late mishaps, it does appear James will remain with Birmingham until the end of the campaign at least, which is a positive boost for the club as they look to push their way back into play-off contention.
The 19-year-old has produced consistently impressive performances since bursting onto the scene for both club and country, and his stock has risen in a very short timeframe as a result, despite Blues’ tumble down the second tier table.
After having three managers at the club so far this term, James has remained a constant presence in the first team picture, which is testament to the quality and talent he possesses at such a young age.
Birmingham certainly have a player who could go right to the top of the elite game, and they will be hoping he can help reignite their season and deliver success on the pitch with Mowbray at the helm.
