James transfer 'would not surprise' Wales boss

Wales manager Robert Page says it would be no shock to see Jordan James leave Birmingham City this summer following the Blues’ relegation to League One.

James, 19, has rapidly established himself at international level since his senior Wales debut 14 months ago.

The midfielder’s performances for club and country saw him linked with Italian sides Atalanta and Fiorentina in January.

There has also been speculation about Premier League interest in James, with talk about his future only getting louder after Birmingham slipped out of the Championship.

“I think he has proven at top international level, against top midfielders in Croatia, to name one team, [that] he is more than capable of playing at that level as a [number] six,” Page said.

“I know there is definitely interest. I would not be surprised if he is gone. We will have to wait and see.”

Academy product James has made 104 senior appearances for Birmingham, scoring 10 goals.

He featured 47 times for his club in 2023-24, but could not save Birmingham from suffering relegation on the final day of the season.

James is under contract at St Andrew’s until the summer of 2025, while there is the option of a further year in the deal he signed in July 2022.

Page believes Birmingham could look to keep James as they plot a League One promotion push next season.

“It depends on Birmingham. If they think they can go straight back up next year and they want to have a go, then we will see,” said Page.

Birmingham are currently without a manager after Tony Mowbray, who had been on sick leave since February, stood down to focus on his health.

Former manager Gary Rowett returned to the club as interim boss in March, and may now be a contender to take charge on a permanent basis.