Ward-Prowse tipped to be new West Ham United captain amid Kurt Zouma news
Julen Lopetegui should name James Ward-Prowse as West Ham United captain if Kurt Zouma leaves this summer, according to Dan Bardell.
The Athletic has reported (5 July) that the Spaniard is considering his options over a new skipper with Zouma’s future “in doubt”.
A report from Graeme Bailey (4 July) suggested that the Hammers have offered their current club captain to Nice in a bid to sign Jean Claire-Todibo.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell has mooted Ward-Prowse as his choice for captain at the London Stadium while considering other options.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell said: “I think the obvious one would be James Ward-Prowse.
“He’s a real leader and was captain before with Southampton. He’s probably going to play most weeks and I can see him making the most sense.
“I know Kilman was the captain at Wolves under Lopetegui but I think that would be too much to ask of him with established players already at the club.
“Bowen would be a different type of captain, he’d lead by example on the pitch rather than barking orders but Ward-Prowse would be the standout option for me.“
James Ward-Prowse could be West Ham captain
There are many leadership options that Lopetegui is going to be considering ahead of the season if Zouma is to leave.
The Frenchman featured in all but five Premier League games last season, being a regular starter under David Moyes.
Rumours linking him away in a swap for Todibo and the signing of Kilman from Wolves suggest that the new head coach wants to refresh his backline.
If Zouma leaves, a new captain would be needed and in Ward-Prowse and Kilman, the Hammers already have two former skippers.
They would lead by example and aren’t afraid to bark orders out to their teammates which would make them ideal options.
In other West Ham news, Danny Ings’ stance on a summer move away from the London Stadium has emerged amid links with Southampton
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