West Ham boss Lopetegui lines up Birmingham’s Jordan James for first transfer, but faces Champions League competition

WEST HAM are ready to fight Leicester and Atalanta for Birmingham City’s young Welsh wizard Jordan James.

Hammers’ new boss Julen Lopetegui had James, 19, on his radar when he was at Wolves and has contacted the Blues.

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is targeting Birmingham wonderkid Jordan JamesGetty

Birmingham ace James is also targeted by Leicester and Atalanta

The Foxes also have the midfielder shortlisted while the Italians made a bid during the last window.

The Wales international stood out this season in the Championship with Birmingham.

The teenage sensation amassed eight goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.

James has already registered a staggering total of 105 appearances during his three-year stint with the St Andrew’s outfit despite his young age.

This comes with 10 caps for the Welsh national team as he made his debut last year.

James has also proven to be very versatile as he can cover all sorts of different positions in the centre of the pitch.

The Welshman can operate at No8, No6 and No10, while he can also cover the right and left side in midfield.

Meanwhile, West Ham are struggling to agree a deal with keeper Wes Foderingham after he left Sheffield United.

Foderingham, 33, has endured a turbulent campaign with the Blades who finished bottom of the league and conceded a record 104 goals.

The goalkeeper leaves Bramall Lane with 112 appearances under his belt after four years with the club.

The former England youth international will leave Sheffield United as a free agent on June 30 when his contract runs out.

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