West Ham United told to end pursuit of Southampton ace James Ward-Prowse in Declan Rice replacement search
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse is not a good replacement for Declan Rice at West Ham.
Despite McAvennie backing the Saints captain as a “decent player,” he has suggested that he does not have the same dynamic as Rice had in claret and blue.
As per The Guardian (31 July), West Ham could drop their pursuit of the player anyway after having a second bid turned down for the midfielder.
According to Sky Sports (31 July) the Hammers are “seriously” considering other options amid their failed pursuit of the Southampton and England star.
Ward-Prowse has long been linked with a move away from the south coast club, with the rumours regarding a potential exit increasing after Southampton were relegated from the Premier League last season.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I don’t think he is a good replacement for Rice. He’s a different kind of player isn’t he? He’s great for free-kicks and dead balls, but he doesn’t have that dynamic that Declan had.
“It’s a strange one. He’s a decent player, but get someone else in there with Lucas Paqueta. I don’t know if Flynn Downes is good enough.
“I don’t know if Ward-Prowse would be. He might prove me wrong. Could he play in there? I think we need somebody to sit because Paqueta likes to get forward, he wants that freedom.”
In other West Ham news, a Hammers player has emerged as a “cheaper” option in a one European club’s pursuit of a new striker, according to Fabrizio Romano.