Exeter City defender Ed James has signed a new contract to keep him at St James Park until the summer of 2028.

The League Two side also has an option to extend the 21-year-old Wales Under-21 international's deal by a further 12 months.

The centre-back has played 23 times in all competitions for the Grecians since making his debut in October 2022.

He has become an important first team player this season, staring half of their League Two fixtures.

The academy graduate has been with Exeter since he was eight and has also had loan spells at Yeovil Town and Torquay United.

"Since I've come back to the club, Ed has been excellent," manager Matt Taylor told the club website.

"He's a young player with huge potential. He's got great size, moves quickly for a centre-half and is aggressive. There's a lot to like about him.

"He's still developing, both physically and in his understanding of the game, but he's performed well this season. He's another young player we want to build the future around.

"It's another signal of our trust in the youth policy and shows the importance of the academy.

"You can have all the taglines you want about developing young players, but the proof is in the pudding. You have to play them, invest in them and give them time. That's what a contract is for.

"It's pleasing that some of these young players are now wanting to commit to us. I think they can see the opportunity here, and that will hopefully filter down throughout the academy."