West Ham United transfer news as James Ward-Prowse turns down first club
By Katie Barr.
James Ward Prowse has turned down a move to Brentford as West Ham continue to hunt for new midfielders, according to The Independent.
However, Fulham are now serious contenders in the race to sign Ward-Prowse as the PA news agency understands that the midfielder is favouring a move to Craven Cottage.
It is suggested that the Saints will likely ask for offers of around £30million for their captain, with a move to West London seeming to take his fancy.
The Hammers who have also shown a continued interest in the midfield mastermind could be brushed aside in favour of the West London side.
With Ward-Prowse looking likely to join former Saints teammate Harrison Reed at Fulham, David Moyes can switch his full attention onto the potential of Fulham’s Joao Palhinha to replace Declan Rice.
Arsenal have had two bids rejected for Hammers skipper Rice this week, although Pep Guardiola’s champions are reportedly preparing their own offer.
Who next?
With West Ham qualifying for Europe, Moyes can look to attract players of a similar calibre to Ward-Prowse.
And with Rice likely to move on this summer, The Hammers will have at least a healthy £100m at their disposal to target players to replace him.
As soon as clubs such as Southampton go down, their best players become available, and there aren’t many specialists such as Ward-Prowse available in the market for so cheap.
With his potential preference of going to Fulham though, it could be that Palhinha is made available for the Hammers, who have European football to offer after winning the Conference League.
It will be interesting to see how many twists and turns arrive in the coming weeks, with everything seeming to be moulding around the sale of Rice.
All eyes are on West Ham and the busy transfer window ahead.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have rescued a 50:50 deal for a new hire, with an agreement close to completion