Where West Ham stand in Jordan James race as £10m transfer exit moves closer

West Ham United have been strongly linked with Rennes midfielder Jordan James.

Nuno Espirito Santo hasn't yet added to his central midfield department this summer, but he's no doubt wanting to.

Losing Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts are significant blows to his engine room, and both of their prior roles may need replacing.

James is a player who has recently been linked with the Hammers, as he's fresh off the back of an award-winning campaign with Leicester last term.

The 22-year-old was named the EFL Young Player of the Season for 2026, further cementing himself as a top player in the Championship.

As a result of this, it appears as though all of the main Championship promotion contenders this season want to sign him, including West Ham.

Why West Ham need to get a move on in Jordan James pursuit

Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon recently that West Ham, Middlesbrough, Wolves and Burnley were all keen on James.

Rennes are understood to be looking for £10million in order to commission a transfer exit for the Welsh international.

Naturally, given the size of the club and their expectation of promotion, West Ham should tick plenty of boxes for James.

But the Hammers are now in danger of falling behind in the race to sign the talented midfielder.

Writing in an X post on Wednesday, talkSPORT's Alex Crook has claimed that it's Wolves who are now "advancing" with a deal to sign James.

So, comparing Wanderers' and United's midfield areas, which out of Molineux or the London Stadium would be a better fit for James?

Why West Ham would make more sense for James than Wolves

With both of these sides being relegated from the Premier League, James should have a big chance of promotion with either Wolves or West Ham.

The Old Gold's midfield is heavily stocked with talent, boasting the likes of Boubacar Traore, Andre, Tommy Doyle, Fer Lopez and Mateus Mane.

West Ham, on the other hand, aren't blessed with significant depth in the middle of the park.

James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez are the only proven senior options, and the latter could yet leave this summer.

Behind them, Mohamadou Kante, Lewis Orford, George Earthy, Soungoutou Magassa and Mohamadou Kante all have things to prove.

So, if James was to sign for West Ham, he would likely have a stronger chance of carving out an instant key role than with Wolves.

Wanderers also have an unproven manager in English football in Cesar Peixoto, whereas Nuno has won the Championship with Wolves.

Perhaps then if West Ham do at least match Wolves' offer, then James may well see more pros to joining the Hammers over Wanderers.