West Ham United ‘moving closer’ to James Ward-Prowse transfer after ‘positive’ Southampton talks – Sky Sports
West Ham are “moving closer” to signing James Ward-Prowse from Southampton after “positive talks” between to the two sides, Sky Sports reports.
An official opening bid of £25million was reported earlier on Tuesday by The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath although the Saints are thought to value the English midfielder, 28, at more like £40m.
However, it appears that an agreement is on the cards for the man who is likely to leave following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship, with negotiations going well.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, via Football Daily on Twitter, on Tuesday afternoon (25 July) host Rob Jones said: “Transfer news to bring you as West Ham look for a replacement for Declan Rice who left for Arsenal a couple of weeks ago.
“They have held positive talks with Southampton over their captain James Ward-Prowse. One source has told us that an agreement is edging closer, we don’t expect personal terms to be a problem.
“So after their relegation from the Premier League last season Southampton potentially losing their biggest player James Ward-Prowse, who is moving closer, we understand, to a move to West Ham United.”
At last
It is about time that West Ham got serious in one of the many transfer pursuits they are currently involved in, since it is no use getting half-way down the line with 10 players if you don’t make it the whole way with any.
If Ward-Prowse can come in and be paired with another new signing in the centre of the park it would go a long way to filling the huge hole left by Rice.
And with Tomas Soucek not the player he was a couple of years ago, and possibly on his way as well, it could be an entirely new-look midfield partnership this season.
The Irons appear to be making a push to make the second man Conor Gallagher from Chelsea [Fabrizio Romano, 25 July], although it looks to be a tricky one to pull off.
In contrast, West Ham look like the primary suitor for Ward-Prowse, and with an agreement on the player side thought to be no issue it is just a matter of convincing the Saints to sell up.
A proven Premier League operator, and renowned dead-ball specialist, there is every reason to believe he could be a very useful arrival at the London Stadium, assuming the club can finally push this over the line.
In other West Ham news, a split behind the scenes at the club has emerged which may explained the scattergun transfer policy this summer.