Birmingham City transfer development puts Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle United on alert

Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James was subject of an unsuccessful transfer approach from Atalanta in the January transfer window.

Blues' first month of 2024 was a hectic one as they ended Wayne Rooney's reign and replaced him with Tony Mowbray. As they sacked the Man United legend, they received an offer from Serie A outfit Atalanta for the services of James.

A €4.5m bid was lodged and he'd looked to be on his way with terms agreed between club and player but then Birmingham moved his goal posts and put it to €8m. Birmingham's valuation is now at least £10m, given Sean Wharton moved for at least £18m from Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace.

Atalanta had to accept that they wouldn't be getting James, and he remained at St Andrew's. It is now claimed by Gazzetta dello Sport that they hope Birmingham get relegated so James can be available for a cheaper price.

The Italian club could be facing disappointment however as he is not expected to make a move there, despite their continued interest. The Italian press now think that James is expected to remain in England move to the Premier League.

James who helped Wales reach the EURO 2024 play-off final has several suitors from the division above. Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace Newcastle United and Wolves have all been linked with a swoop for him. Birmingham's West Midlands rivals Wolves were said to have made an enquiry whilst Palace had a club representative in attendance to watch over James.

The 19-year-old has been an important player for Birmingham this season. He has played 36 times in the Championship, scoring six goals. The Hereford-born midfielder found starts limited under John Eustace, but both Wayne Rooney and Tony Mowbray took a liking to the player.

Birmingham do have a big decision to make over James given that in the summer he will be entering the final year of his contract. His current deals runs until the summer of 2025 and interested parties may use that to bring the price down.

Should Birmingham suffer relegation to League One then it could loosen their negotiating position as they would be required to move some of their players off their books to deal with the loss of revenue. James will play against Poland for Wales on Tuesday in the EURO 2024 play-off final and then report back for club duty for their game against QPR on Good Friday.