In January, Atalanta will keep trying to sign Jordan James from Birmingham City.
The amount that Atlanta might offer Birmingham City for Jordan James has increased.
Gazzetta dello Sport, an Italian publication, reports that the Serie A team is prepared to spend up to €6–7 million (£5.1–6 million).
That is still less than the Championship team is willing to pay for the 19-year-old, though.
Birmingham is reportedly holding out for the Wales international with up to £10 million.
After putting in a prior bid of €5 million (£4.3 million), Atalanta is reportedly willing to increase their offer for the midfield player.
Jordan James transfer latest
Throughout the January transfer window, James has been the focus of transfer rumors, but Birmingham and the player have not come to an agreement.
The young player, who went through St. Andrew’s academy, has a clear asking price, which the Blues have established.
Although Atalanta has been strongly connected to a transfer, their most recent bid is still far less than what the English team is demanding.
James is expected to play a significant role in Tony Mowbray’s first team ambitions, having already made 26 appearances for the team this season.
Wayne Rooney was replaced as manager by the 60-year-old earlier this month.
With the winter market scheduled to close on Thursday night, Atalanta has a limited amount of time to negotiate a deal that the Blues will accept.
Tony Mowbray’s stance
Mowbray has stated in the past that he would love James to stay with the team after this month.
At this point in the season, the new Birmingham manager feels that only a very special offer could be accepted.
Is he attracting any attention? Perhaps,” Mowbray stated earlier this month, according to Birmingham Live.
“What’s the number?” We don’t want to sell our finest young players, in my opinion, but if we want to reinvest and you get a number that helps you bring in four players, I think the supporters realize that’s just if that’s what we decide to do, and I’m not saying we are.
Birmingham is currently seven points ahead of the relegation zone in the Championship standings, ranked 20th.
With a match against their relegation rivals coming up, Mowbray’s club does have a game in hand. The new manager is expecting to improve the team’s performance.
After managing the Midlands team for just 15 games, Rooney was replaced by the former Sunderland manager.
The Blues’ next game is a derby against West Brom on February 3.
Would be surprising if James leaves now
It doesn’t appear that Atlanta will be able to match Birmingham’s asking price for James.
He is likely to remain at St. Andrew’s for the duration of the summer, barring any additional interest that may arise.
There’s no need to rush into cashing in just yet, since James’ contract with Birmingham runs through the summer of 2025.
Although he is a very promising player and has been linked to a major move, it is wise for him to remain at Birmingham for the time being.
