Atalanta BC have reportedly identified a recently-relegated Championship player as their primary target for the start of the summer transfer window.
La Dea are close to concluding one of the most productive campaigns in their history, headlined by winning the Europa League with victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Gian Piero Gasperini's side can still finish in third position in the Serie A table with a win over Fiorentina in the rearranged game between the teams on Sunday.
However, at a time when the majority of teams around Europe have already switched their attention to the transfer market, Atalanta are required to do the same.
With a Champions League place having already been secured, Atalanta have extra funds to spend on new players, with some established names expected to be targeted.
Nevertheless, it appears that Gasperini and the club's hierarchy are prepared to sign a youngster from the EFL to bolster their ranks.
© Reuters
Atalanta keen to tie up James deal
According to Corriere dello Sport, Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James is at the top of Atalanta's shortlist.
The report claims that Atalanta's 'first objective' for the summer market is to successfully negotiate a deal with Blues for the Wales international.
James, who is still only 19 years of age, has just made 25 starts and 17 substitute appearances in the second tier of English football, scoring eight goals.
While the prospect still has a year remaining on his contract, there is little prospect of a renewal courtesy of Birmingham's relegation to League One.
As a result, James is expected to depart St Andrew's at some point during the upcoming transfer window, with Atalanta seemingly now favourites for his signature.
© Reuters
James's national team manager Rob Page has previously talked up the prospect of James making the step up to a high-profile league, and such comments may have contributed to an elevated price-tag.
Birmingham are allegedly keen to recoup £10m for the homegrown talent, but it remains to be seen whether any interested clubs are prepared to go as high as that figure.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have previously been among the clubs who are said to be monitoring the situation.
Darren Plant
