Jordan James, a Wolves and Welsh international midfielder, has revealed that he was close to signing for Wrexham last summer and turned down at least one Premier League team to join the Molineux squad this summer.

In an interview with BBC Sport, James said that he was close to signing for Welsh Championship club Wrexham last summer, but ultimately selected Leicester City.

The 22-year-old was vindicated in his decision, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in 34 league games for the Foxes despite being relegated to League One, winning Leicester’s Player of the Season and Championship Young Player of the Season for his efforts, and when he returned to Stade Rennes in the summer, he was not short of options.

Jordan James discloses his near-Wrexham move and Premier League snub to join Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.

James, who had an exceptional year on a personal level in the Championship for Leicester, returned to France with his head held high, knowing that a huge move was on the horizon for the summer.

The Birmingham City academy product, who would have preferred to join Wolves, has now claimed in an interview with BBC Sport that he came close to joining second-tier rivals Wrexham last summer, saying: “That ship sailed, I believe. It aired last year.I’m pleased I went to Leicester; I had a great season and really loved it.”

James also discusses his decision to join Wolves this summer, and when asked if he could have moved to the Premier League, he says: “There were many options. I had several offers on the table. “I didn’t feel it was right.”I didn’t want to be a part of a losing Premier League squad again.I’ve been on a losing team with Birmingham and Leicester, and I want to win games.”

Certainly, the Welshman’s words will have increased his popularity in one part of the Black Country, since Birmingham and Leicester fans are unlikely to have taken well to his reasoning.

Why was Jordan James in high demand amid Wolverhampton Wanderers switch?

After turning down bids from England’s top flight, James joined Wolves on a season-long loan from Rennes, with the option to buy the 22-year-old at the conclusion for about £10 million.

With 15 direct goal contributions from midfield in a relegated Leicester side destined for League One, James was one of, if not the only, players to leave the Leicester squad with his head held high.

At 22, there is a sense that James will only improve, and with 26 senior Wales caps already under his belt, he has a lot of experience for his age, something Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto would certainly value.

James has yet to start a second-tier game for the Old Gold this season, having been relegated to bench minutes as he works on his health, and it would be no surprise if he becomes a key figure at Molineux as the season progresses.

Cesar Peixoto will turn to Jordan James on lead Wolverhampton Wanderers back to the Premier League.

With Marshall Munetsi and Andre appearing to be Peixoto’s favoured midfield tandem in the early stages of this season, James may not have as easy a time breaking into the team as he had with Leicester.

The likes of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Tommy Doyle, Fer Lopez, and Boubacar Traore all provide competition in the midfield; while James is capable of playing deeper or farther forward, his path into the team is far from straightforward.

It would be surprising if his minutes for Wolves don’t climb significantly as the season progresses, especially given his decision to turn down Premier League offers to join Molinuex.