West Ham and Wolves both want to be in contention for automatic promotion to the Premier League next season.

The two clubs have returned to the Championship after long spells in the top division and will be eager to get back on track right away.

Nuno Espírito Santo, who previously led Molineux to the second tier title in 2018, is currently in charge of the Hammers.

Cesar Peixoto, who replaced Rob Edwards earlier this summer, is now in charge of securing promotion for the Midlands team.

Both clubs will be eager to use the transfer market to strengthen their first-team options for the upcoming season, as they are expected to face tight competition for a top-two finish.

West Ham and Wolves have both been associated with Jordan James this summer, so they will compete both on and off the pitch until the deadline of September 1.

West Ham and Wolves suffer Jordan James transfer blow.

Alan Nixon has reported that Fulham are close to signing James from French club Rennes.

The former Birmingham City player is expected to join the Premier League club after spending the previous season on loan at Leicester City.

This will come as a setback to West Ham and Wolves, who will both miss the Wales international.

Since moving from Birmingham to Rennes in 2024, the 22-year-old has struggled to establish himself as a major member of the first team.

This resulted in a loan move to Leicester City, where he appeared in 34 Championship games, scoring 11 goals and assisting four times.

Wolves have also been linked with Jordan Holsgrove, who might be an alternative option to James now that Fulham has won the competition for his services.

So far this summer, the Old Gold have signed four players, including loanee Ladislav Krejci on a permanent basis.

Rafiki Said and Kieran Tripper have both joined the Championship side, while Raul Jimenez has returned to Molineux.

Meanwhile, West Ham have yet to make a significant first-team addition this summer, instead focused on large player sales up to this point.

The Hammers have sold Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes for large sums of money.

Jordan James’ absence is a setback for West Ham and Wolves.

James’ departure from Rennes is the best for him, as he thrived in the Championship last season for a dismal Leicester side, and he hasn’t had much of an opportunity in France.

Missing out on a deal for the 22-year-old is a blow to both West Ham and Wolves, as he may have helped their promotion chances.

However, the opportunity to compete for the Cottagers is more tempting at this point, given their ability to deliver Premier League football.

Wolves and West Ham will have to immediately shift their focus to other targets, as both teams still need to strengthen their rosters in order to fight for a top-two finish next season.