REDDIES FOR BLUES KID
Mowbray values teen star James at £30m but says price is set to rocket
TONY MOWBRAY backed Jordan James to live up to the hype – before placing a £30million valuation on the teenager.
Birmingham’s new boss was delighted the club knocked back two offers from Atalanta for the 19-year-old midfielder shortly after the transfer window opened.
The offers – believed to be £4m and £4.5m – looked way off after Blackburn pocketed £18m rising to £22m for Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace.
James has scored more goals and played more matches than his contemporary this season and boasts senior caps with Wales.
While rec- ognising that every player has his price, Mowbray said no one had come close to matching his valuation.
“It’s got to be £30m, hasn’t it?” he said. “We did have a conversation and I’m not telling you where he thought he should be.
“But it’s way more than the offers that were made. Double or triple what’s been offered? I don’t think you can argue against that.
“Young international footballer, that plays most weeks, scores goals. I don’t think anyone got near to where this club is at with the valuation.
“I had a laugh with him yesterday, saying, ‘How do you compare yourself to Adam Wharton, son?’
“Eighteen-and-a-half going up to £22m... Jordan knows the numbers and at the moment, they’re nowhere near the bracket we would put him in.
“It’s not as if he’s not got long left on his contract. It’s no problem for me to keep him. No
problem if he knocks on my door and we get the numbers.
“If we don’t get the numbers, he shouldn’t go. That’s what I’ve said to him.
“We don’t have to let him go. If someone bids
£3.20 for you, we’re not letting you go, you have to get the numbers right.”
But Mowbray (right) predicted that James’ value will have rocketed in 12 months.
He said: “I like him, he’s got flaws in his game but also huge
attributes. He can score a goal. What is he? A midfielder? A number 10? For a young boy, he knows where the net is.
“I like his ability to put his foot on the gas, to change pace through midfield. He’s got power in his legs. He’s confident, he doesn’t get pushed around.
“He has to work on things as well but my discussion point is that I feel he will only get better. He will be worth a lot more.”