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

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

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

The Foxes also have the midfielder on their shortlist, while the Italians made a bid in the last window.

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

The teenage sensation has bagged eight goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.

James has already made a staggering total of 105 appearances during his three-year spell with the St Andrew’s outfit, despite his tender age.

This comes with 10 caps for Gala’s national team when 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 center of the pitch.

The Welshman can operate at No8, No6 and No10, while also covering the right and left side of midfield.

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

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Foderingham, 33, 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 after four years at the club.

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