Wolves are likely to sign Rennes midfielder Jordan James on an initial loan with a buyout clause at the end of the season.

James’ future had been uncertain all summer since returning to the French club at the end of last season, somewhat unexpectedly, from Leicester City. If they hadn’t been relegated to League One, the Welshman would most likely have made his stay at the King Power Stadium permanent.

Nonetheless, the 22-year-old was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season for Leicester, and a return to a major Championship club seemed on the cards during the transfer window.

With just under two weeks until that window closes, James’ destination seems apparent.

Jordan James is expected to move to Wolves

Last year, James won the Championship Young Player of the Season award after scoring 11 goals and assisting four others at the King Power Stadium. Understandably, he had many of suitors this summer who wanted to be at the top of the second tier.

Jordan James won the championship last season.

Appearances (starts).

34 (27)

Goals

11

Assists

4

Chances created: 55.

Touches in the opposition box.

58

Burnley, West Ham United, Middlesbrough, and Wolves have all expressed interest, and it appears like the 22-year-old will join the latter.

According to L’Equipe, James will join the Old Gold on an initial loan agreement with an option to buy at the end for at least €10 million (£8.55 million), barring any last-minute proposal from a Premier League club.

Cesar Peixoto, the club’s head coach, has expressed his desire to bring in a “high quality” midfielder this summer, and following the opening-day draw against Blackburn Rovers at Molineux last Friday, midfield reinforcements will undoubtedly be required to help dominate games on a regular basis this season.

James will provide that, as well as the opportunity to advance within the organisation.

How Wolves fans have responded to Jordan James’ breakthrough

There are many conflicting views on how Wolves handled the transaction to bring James to Molineux.

Some speculate that Wolves’ inability to purchase James outright this summer may be due to a lack of funds or James’ desire for a Premier League move if Wolves do not succeed in promotion.A terrific signing, but a massive red light for FOSUN, indicating they’ve shut the taps off.

“They’re hedging their bets with a loan, likely just in case we don’t get promoted,” one supporter stated, despite having enough resources for a permanent agreement.Basically,

we couldn’t convince him to sign permanently and he wants to play in the Premier League, so he signs on loan, hopes to play well, and is bought by a Premier League team if we don’t get promoted,” another added.

Finally, an obligation to buy eliminates any possibility that James will leave at the conclusion of the season if Wolves do not win promotion, and also ensures that the money invested on him will not be deducted from this season’s accounts.

Fosun has used similar technique in prior agreements for Jorgen Strand Larsen and Ladislav Krejci, so some Wolves fans aren’t concerned and hope to see the Welsh international soon.If accurate, that’s the best piece of business we’ve done in years,” a more optimistic admirer stated.

Jordan James will hope to kick on even further at Wolves this season

Last season did not go how James had hoped when he signed for Leicester, but there is no doubt that he had a successful campaign.

In reality, while the Foxes were struggling before he suffered a hamstring injury in January, the season at the King Power deteriorated even further after that. James started only four of the remaining 18 games last season, as the team fell into the relegation zone.

Despite being relegated, his 15 goal contributions at such a young age caught the curiosity of Premier League clubs, but the 22-year-old is poised to return to the Championship’s top spot.

His top-flight potential is clear, and another strong campaign at this level might pave the way for a promotion, whether to Wolves or elsewhere. Those at Molineux will hope it is with them.