West Ham, Southampton and Norwich City are interested in Exeter City prospect Ed James, according to a report by Football Insider.
Exeter City could face a battle to keep hold of the teenager down the line amid attention from higher up the football pyramid. He is currently on loan at Yeovil Town in the National League and has caught the eye with the National League side.
exeter city, West Ham, Southampton and Norwich City eye League One prospect
Image courtesy of: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/REUTERS.
James, 19, is being tipped for a bright future in the game and is under contract with the Grecians until the summer of 2026 meaning they are under no pressure to sell him just yet. He is due to return to his parent club from Huish Park in January.
In this latest update regarding his situation this winter, Football Insider claim West Ham and Southampton are keen on luring him up to the Premier League. The latter are in the hunt for a new manager after sacking Russell Martin.
Norwich City have also been credited with an interest. The Canaries are sat in 12th place in the Championship table and are eight points off the play-offs.
James has been on the books at Exeter City for his whole career to date.
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He has risen up through the academy ranks of the Grecians and has been a regular for them at various different youth levels.
exeter city
Image courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.
The Exeter-born man made his first-team debut for his local side back in October 2022 in an EFL Trophy clash against Southampton Under-21’s.
James has since made six more appearances for the Devon club in all competitions to date, three of which have come in this campaign.
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He has been loaned out in the past to Saltash United, Weymouth, Tiverton Town, Weston-super-Mare and Dorchester Town to get some experience under his belt.
Yeovil Town came calling last month and he was given the green light to link up with the Glovers on a temporary basis to boost his development.
What now?
Exeter City have a big decision to make on what to do with him next when he is back next month.
West Ham, Southampton and Norwich City are all being linked but it remains to be seen at this stage whether any of them will lodge an official approach for his signature.
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The Grecians lost 2-1 at home to Barnsley over the weekend and face Burton Albion next.