Exclusive: West Ham, Southampton and Norwich plotting to sign James

12/16/2024 06:30 AM

West Ham, Southampton and Norwich are following the progress of young Exeter City defender Ed James, sources have told Football Insider.

The 19-year-old is impressing on loan at Yeovil Town this term and has caught the eye with his performances in the National League.

James scored in the Glovers’ win over Braintree Town on Saturday (14 December).

Exeter have high hopes for the defender – whose potential has alerted Premier League duo West Ham and Southampton.

Championship promotion hopefuls Norwich are also keen on the teenager, who has been on loan at Yeovil since the end of November.

The centre-back returns to St James Park from Somerset in January and is out of contract at his parent club in 2026.

He has made seven senior appearances for Exeter and has started regularly in the EFL Trophy in recent years.

James has also been loaned to Weymouth and Weston-super-Mare in short-term deals since making his senior breakthrough.

West Ham, Southampton and Norwich keen on teenage defender

He played for seventh-tier Dorchester Town in the 2023-24 campaign, making 26 league appearances.

Exeter, who sit 15th in League One, have produced several established EFL stars – including Matt Grimes, Jay Stansfield and Jordan Storey.

Managerless Southampton sit 20th in the Premier League, while West Ham are 14th in the top flight.

Norwich sit 12th in the Championship and are already eight points adrift of a playoff place.

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