West Ham United submit final James Ward-Prowse bid for new transfer

West Ham have made a final "take-it or leave-it" offer of around £30million for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, according to talkSPORT.

The digital sports news outlet shared via their Twitter page on 2 August that Southampton are expected to reject the Hammers' latest offer, as they stand firm on their £40million valuation of their club captain.

West Ham have made their interest in Ward-Prowse clear this summer, with reports [The Guardian, 29 July] suggesting he was David Moyes' first-choice midfield option, but they now look set to miss out on his signature unless they return with another offer.

Transfer plans are falling apart

With just under two weeks left to go before the Premier League season kicks off, West Ham are experiencing rejection after rejection in their haste to make their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Moyes is a fan of Ward-Prowse, with his set-piece ability and leadership making him the ideal player for the Scotsman's side.

If, as talksSPORT claims, this bid is a final offer, and is rejected, then the Hammers will be missing out on yet another key target, with the clock ticking to bring in fresh faces.

The Hammers have already had bid rejected for Manchester United duo Scott McTominay [The Times, 28 July]and Harry Maguire [Manchester Evening News, 29 July], while Carlos Borges, who looked like he would join the East London club, is now on his way to Ajax [Fabrizio Romano, 1 August].

The rush to complete a deal for the Southampton midfielder comes as a result of West Ham being left with just four midfielders as they head towards the season opener, with just Flynn Downes, Conor Coventry, Thomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta to choose from.

In other West Ham news, a contract twist has emerged in West Ham's chase for a new full-back.