- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Ipswich Town are leading the chase to sign Birmingham City starlet Jordan James.
The newly-promoted side have not been scared to reach deep into their pockets with close to £60million spent already on four signings.
Omari Hutchinson, Liam Delap, Jacob Greaves and Arijanet Muric have all signed for the Tractor Boys with Ben Johnson also arriving as a free agent.
But Ipswich Town‘s spending does not look like it will slow down anytime soon with Kieran McKenna’s side now setting their sights on exciting Birmingham City youngster Jordan James.
The Welsh international is expected to leave St Andrews this summer and a number of clubs have shown interest in him.
As previously revealed by HITC, Newcastle United had shown interest in signing James, who was made available for a fee of over £10million.
Ipswich in pole position to sign Jordan James
James has attracted plenty of interest after following in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham and impressing at St Andrew’s.
HITC understands that Europa League winners Atalanta remain keen on James having made bids to sign him during the January window.
He also has plenty of Premier League suitors with Brighton, Brentford, Leicester and Southampton also showing an interest.
But sources have confirmed to HITC that Ipswich are looking to try and broker a deal for midfielder James and are currently leading the race for his signature.
Ipswich Town transfer business
After upsetting the odds to reach the Premier League last season, Ipswich have moved quickly to reinvest their promotion money on their first-team squad.
Keeping hold of McKenna was crucial to their survival push and their business so far this summer will have fans hopeful of a good season ahead.
Beating top-flight rivals to the signing of James would be another statement of intent with the youngster receiving high praise during his time in the Championship.
Former Wales manager Rob Page was certainly an admirer, claiming that James has “got everything” after watching him on the international stage.
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