West Ham United could match £70million Ward-Prowse fee after major report
Southampton are doing their very best to price West Ham United out of a deal for midfielder James Ward-Prowse but it might not be enough.
The 27-year-old was involved in 17 goals for Ralph Hassenhutl’s side during the 2021/22 campaign.
The Saints are desperate to keep hold of their star man given his massive importance to the team which is more than obvious with their ridiculous £70million valuation, according to Claret & Hugh.
With Moyes said to have ruled out an expensive move for a striker over the summer, the Scot could look to use that cash to strengthen the midfield amid the uncertain future of Declan Rice in conjunction with club east London legend Mark Noble leaving the club.
Especially with the excellent set-piece specialist being made a key target by the London Stadium boss.
However, this will be a very difficult deal to get over the line. Not only is Ward-Prowse contracted at St Mary’s until 2026, but it is also extremely difficult to see the Hammers splashing that type of cash on any player – regardless of whether Moyes has made him a key target or not.
He is said to be just as important to Southampton as Declan Rice is to West Ham and everyone knows just how desperate they are to keep hold of the 23-year-old which means the south coasters will be willing to fight tooth and nail to keep him.
There is no doubting his quality, he has been the Saints’ best player for many years now. His mentality is also second to none having done a brilliant job of being the team’s captain from such a young age.
The Irons should undoubtedly throw everything at this deal because the England international would be a great addition to the squad but he isn’t worth £70million that is for sure.
If he comes in and takes the cockneys to the next level though, that fee will be forgotten in the blink of an eye.
In other West Ham news, a key West Ham man has humiliated himself with a series of off the mark rants
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