West Ham United to go in for James Ward-Prowse in summer, Southampton star could be tempted into deal
West Ham United are expected to renew their attempts to sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse this summer, according to The Mirror.
The Saints skipper and England international has been outstanding this season with seven goals and two assists but has so far been unable to move them away from a relegation battle and the drop now looks likely.
A report by 90min revealed on 18 April that the midfielder is open to leaving St Mary’s this summer with the club open to selling him if they receive a bid of around £50m but given Southampton’s impending relegation, that figure could certainly reduce.
West Ham were linked with a move for the England international last summer, but it never materialised as David Moyes instead opted for Lucas Paqueta.
And according to a report by The Mirror newspaper [4 May, page 55], West Ham United are ready to renew their interest in the 28-year-old and the free-kick specialist could certainly be temped by a switch with the Hammers’ chances of signing him boosted by Southampton’s relegation.
Sticking point
With Declan Rice likely to leave this summer due to much interest from elite clubs and Tomas Soucek entering the final 12 months of his contract, midfield is a position the Hammers will be desperate to bolster and a return for Ward-Prowse certainly makes sense given his Premier League experience and quality.
It’s a real surprise the 28-year-old is still a Southampton player right now, but that says much about his loyalty as much as any club’s inability to get him to move.
However, with the Saints looking increasingly likely of relegation from the Premier League, Ward-Prowse now looks set to complete a move away and a London Stadium move makes perfect sense for all parties involved, however, that £50m price tag being quoted will end up being a sticking point.
How a relegation club could command that sort of figure is astounding and is a price West Ham United certainly won’t go for, even if they will try and get top dollar to sell Declan Rice and fund their own rebuild as a result.
Southampton certainly have to be reasonable, especially if Ward-Prowse desires a Premier League return for next season. If they do decrease their asking price, West Ham United should immediately jump at the front of the queue for his signature.