Birmingham City: Jordan James set for St Andrew's exit as agreement is made | OneFootball

Jordan James could be set for a move to France, with Stade Rennais closing in on a deal for him.

Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais have struck an agreement to sign Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that a bid sent yesterday morning has been accepted by Birmingham, who were always vulnerable to losing the Wales international following their relegation from the Championship.

Blues have enjoyed a very positive summer transfer window and this was needed, with several players departing St Andrew's in recent months.

At this stage, they are currently one of the favourites to secure promotion from League One at the end of the season, with or without James.

However, the Welshman was a very impressive player for Blues last season and can count himself unlucky to have a relegation on his CV following an excellent 2023/24 campaign.

James currently has a year left on his current contract at St Andrew's, but with the club also having the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, that has put Chris Davies' side in a very strong negotiating position this summer.

But ever since their relegation on the final day of last season, following their game against Norwich City, it seemed inevitable that the player would move on.

Not only will the player be keen to test himself at the highest level domestically, but he will also be keen to retain his place in Wales' squad for the long term, as the midfielder looks to be an asset for both club and country.

The fee agreed is currently unclear, but Romano has reported that a bid that was submitted yesterday has been accepted by Birmingham, who now look set to lose one of their brightest stars.

With personal terms also being agreed, a move to France looks inevitable for James, who is set to undergo a medical at Rennes in the coming days.

Unless anything drastic changes, it looks as though the 20-year-old will miss tomorrow's clash against Reading, with the player currently in the process of securing a move away from the Midlands.

If James does make the move to France, he will link up with Glen Kamara, who left Leeds United to join Julien Stephan's side earlier this summer.

Jordan James will have a point to prove in France

A starting spot may not be handed to him on a plate in the French top tier, so he has a point to prove.

At 20, this is a delicate stage of James' career and if he's to fulfil his potential, he needs as much game time as possible to develop.

Considering they are likely to be spending a considerable amount to bring him to the club, it would be difficult to see Rennes not giving him a sufficient opportunity to shine.

However, success on the pitch comes first and the manager will probably be willing to leave him out if he doesn't feel that the midfielder is enhancing his team.

It's certainly a risky move for James, but you have to commend him for being brave enough to take that step.