Liverpool pursuit of Romeo Lavia could be bad news for West Ham United transfer for James Ward-Prowse

Liverpool are increasingly likely to complete a deal for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, after making a second bid on 26, July according to The Athletic, which could cause issues for a West Ham deal for James Ward-Prowse.

David Ornstein and James Pearce shared via The Athletic that Liverpool are edging closer to meeting the £50million value set by Southampton for Lavia. Should this deal go through, it could make the South Coast side more reluctant to sell their other midfield star, Ward-Prowse.

Southampton are not desperate for money anyway, but if they receive £50million from the Merseyside club, they will be in an even better position to turn down other big offers.

If Southampton don't need money and are already seeing their midfield weakened, they will be more reluctant to see Ward-Prowse leave the club, which could put West Ham in a difficult position in their pursuit of the free-kick maestro.

It was reported by The Telegraph on Tuesday 25 July that West Ham had made a bid of £25million for the Southampton captain, as they look to bolster their midfield following the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal.

Should a deal for Ward-Prowse become difficult, the Hammers have several other targets lined up, after bids for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez and Manchester United's Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay were all reported in the last 48 hours.

Southampton will want to hold on to their captain and most well-known player this summer as they aim for automatic promotion back to the Premier League, with his ability a key difference maker in that division.

In other West Ham news, the club have been tipped to make a move for Arsenal striker as he trains alone.