Leeds United are in the market for a new midfielder following the recent departure of Glen Kamara and are eyeing a move for a rising star in the division below, according to the latest reports.
Kamara joined from Scottish giants Rangers last summer for a reported £5 million and had an excellent season at Elland Road in the middle of the park, primarily partnering alongside Ethan Ampadu. The Finland international made 42 appearances for the Whites in all competitions under Daniel Farke despite the club missing out on promotion to the top-flight.
Nevertheless, due to their failure to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, the West Yorkshire outfit lost a number of key players, including Archie Gray and Kamara, although others will likely be on their way before the end of the transfer window next month.
Kamara made the jump to Ligue 1 side Rennes for a fee of £8.4 million but it looks like Leeds will reinvest this money into the first-team squad by signing a direct replacement for the 28-year-old. Football Insider have revealed that the club are weighing up a move for Birmingham City star Jordan James.
The publication have revealed that Leeds United hold a “strong interest ” in the Welsh midfielder this summer but face stiff competition from an unnamed side in the Premier League. Furthermore, Football Insider have reported that the Blues may reluctantly sell the 20-year-old after a heavy transfer window of spending.
James was linked with a move away from St. Andrew’s earlier in the year when the club were free-falling down the Championship table. Europa League winners Atalanta were the frontrunners to sign the promising youngster and it was reported that Birmingham had slapped an £8.4 million price tag on his back. It is currently unclear whether the club’s stance on this asking price has changed.
Writer’s View
Selling Kamara could turn out to be an excellent piece of business for Leeds United if they manage to sign James this summer. The Finnish star was sold for the exact same price that Birmingham City are currently looking for James, yet the latter is eight years younger and has a much higher ceiling.
However, the only factor stopping Leeds from realistically pulling off this swoop of the Blues is the unnamed Premier League side who are also in the running. A club in the top-flight will be in a much better position to pay a higher fee and offer him a greater wage package which could leave the Whites out of the picture.
Nonetheless, Farke can provide James with regular game-time at the top end of the Championship which may also be enticing. The Wales international has 12 months left on his contract so Birmingham will likely be looking to sell him as soon as possible to avoid losing him for free in less than a year.
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