West Ham United transfer news as Southampton chief James Wilcox confirms rejected James Ward-Prowse bid
Southampton Director of Football James Wilcox has confirmed they have rejected a bid from West Ham United for midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
In a tweet shared by The Sun journalist Jack Rosser, Wilcox explains that the Saints do not need to sell the England international this summer but if they get the right offer, they will consider it.
Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath reported on 24 July that the Hammers had placed an opening offer of £25m for the St Mary’s captain but in an interview with Rosser, Wilcox confirmed the Saints have rejected the bid and will consider a much higher offer.
Rosser tweeted: “Confirmation that Southampton have rejected West Ham’s opening offer for James Ward-Prowse.
“Interviewed Southampton Director of Football Jason Wilcox.
“Wilcox: “Have we rejected the bid? Yep. “If we get the right offer – we will consider it…we don’t have to sell.”
Another Hammer blow
West Ham United have been dealt another hammer blow in their bid to secure their ideal replacement for the departed Declan Rice, with a bid now rejected for Ward-Prowse after suffering the same fate with Conor Gallagher and Joao Palhinha.
It certainly seems as if the £100m-plus fee that the Irons received from the Rice sale has become a stumbling block in itself as clubs now know that West Ham have money in the bank to spend, and will inflate prices for their star players as a result.
It remains to be seen whether the Hammers will return with an improved offer but it looks as if Southampton want in the upper regions of £40m which is considerable for their star man.
David Moyes and new technical director Tim Steidten have a huge decision to make in the coming days whether to cave in and go in with improved bids for their top midfield targets, with the Premier League campaign just over two weeks away.
West Ham United now face a race against time to get deals done, but they can’t afford to be rolling over and overpaying.
A compromise has got to be reached, especially on this Ward-Prowse deal. Or better yet, the England international may have to force through a move with the Saints not desperate to sell.
In other West Ham news, one source has played down the chances of Divock Origi joining the Irons this summer