West Ham United transfer news as James Ward-Prowse race begins early
West Ham United are said to be leading the chase to sign James Ward-Prowse from Southampton, according to a report from The Sun.
The St Mary’s club are holding out for a fee in the region of £40 million in order to part company with their prized asset, following their bottom-place finish in the Premier League.
The Hammers have reportedly “long-tracked” the set-piece specialist who scored his ninth goal of the campaign in the 4-4 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, a game that brought the curtain down on their 11-year stay in the top-flight of English football.
The report from The Sun details the situation around the cultured midfielder, who is expected to leave his boyhood club over the summer.
“Southampton are hoping to land up to £40million for captain James Ward-Prowse this summer despite their relegation,” it said.
“The Saints see Ward-Prowse, 28, as one of their few chances to receive a big fee during the transfer window as they look to fund a rebuild in the summer.
“West Ham have long tracked the England midfielder and are keen to add Fulham’s Joao Palhinha alongside him as they look to replace Declan Rice, a target for Arsenal and Manchester United.
“Despite the Ward-Prowse’s age, suitors still feel there is a potential resale value in any deal given his goal and assist record as well as his set-piece ability.”
Quality
Ward-Prowse would be a very smart acquisition if the Hammers can bring him to the London Stadium for the start of next season.
He would bring proven Premier League experience, reliability and a serious goal threat from set-pieces and given his consistency, who wouldn’t want that?
Especially in the context of Rice’s probable departure, the Saints skipper would replace some of the leadership qualities that would be lost.
In addition to one or two others, the purchase of Ward-Prowse would be a smart reinvestment by the club in order to kick on, in the new campaign.
Nine goals and four assists in a struggling Southampton side, who lost their way in the season just finished, is a reflection of the stature of the player who will be wanted by several clubs.
The Hammers should be looking to make this deal a priority.