By Daniel Feliciano

17th May, 2023 | 3:10pm

West Ham United prepare bid for James Ward-Prowse as one of two midfield signings to replace Declan Rice

West Ham are preparing a bid to sign James Ward-Prowse after Southampton were relegated as they look to replace Declan Rice this summer.

The Hammers are expected to lose their captain during the transfer window with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United linked with a £100m move for the 24-year-old.

And according to a new report from the Evening Standard (17 May) David Moyes and West Ham want to sign at least two midfielders before the new season to replace him, starting with England international Ward-Prowse.

“West Ham are ready to take advantage of Southampton’s relegation with a move for James Ward-Prowse,” they wrote.

“The Hammers want at least two central midfield signings, with Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini also set to depart.”

Expected

It’s no surprise whatsoever that West Ham are being linked with trying to sign Ward-Prowse because they have been interested before.

The club were linked with a move last summer but instead opted to go for Lucas Paqueta in a deal that most would have been very happy about.

But now we could end up with both and considering the way that Moyes likes to play with set-pieces being such a huge part of it, Ward-Prowse could be a really great option to have in the side.

He’s likely to be cheaper this year than he would have been last year because of their relegation, and it would be a huge surprise if he wasn’t interested on joining considering we’re likely to be in Europe again.

West Ham need to use their brains in this transfer window and move quickly to get deals done. Ward-Prowse represents great business and a sensible option to bolster the squad and go some way to replacing Rice’s leadership qualities in the centre of the park.