Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Wed 22 April 2026 14:06, UK

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Nottingham Forest are expected to be in the market for a midfielder this summer, and Jordan James could be on their shortlist.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fine season on loan at Leicester City in the Championship, and won EFL Young Player of the Season despite his team’s relegation to League One on Tuesday.

His parent club, Rennes, signed him from Birmingham City in 2024 and had been willing to let James go for a £7million buy option.

However, with Leicester’s relegation now confirmed, it has been ruled out that his stay at the King Power Stadium is made permanent.

Nottingham Forest transfer chiefs will be among those watching the situation with keen interest, and one club has reportedly already made their move.

Jordan James would be a smart signing for Nottingham Forest

James was linked with Premier League clubs in January, after getting off to a superb start to his time at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes were unbeaten for their opening six Championship games, but the issues quickly began to settle in after that.

James, naturally a defensive midfielder, has been largely ever-present in the Leicester team and is their top scorer with 11 league goals – only one from the penalty spot.

The 21-year-old has a ruthless right foot, scoring a number of belting finishes from well outside of the box.

And the Wales international has no problem doing his defensive duties, either. Had he not spent a month on the sideline injured, Leicester may well have had a better chance of staying up.

The Foxes might have signed him if they had, but it now appears that their final two games of the season will be the last they see of James.

Sport.fr report that the midfielder is set to return to Rennes this summer, with an unnamed English club already having made contact to enquire about signing the youngster.

Nottingham Forest to target long-term Elliot Anderson replacement

Watching James smash in goal after goal from outside of the box, there are some similarities to Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

While the 21-year-old has some way to go on the defensive side to match the Englishman, there is definitely potential there.

Nottingham Forest decision-makers will not be unrealistic. Should they keep hold of Anderson this summer, it will not be long before a Premier League giant pays the level of fee required.

It is important that they get ahead of it now, and the signing of James may be the perfect way to do exactly that.