What we know as West Ham reach agreement with Southampton to sell James Ward-Prowse

West Ham United have agreed to sell James Ward-Prowse to Southampton.

The Hammers have finally reached an agreement to allow the midfielder to leave the club after his nightmare transfer back in 2023.

Things have not gotten any better for the 31-year-old since Nuno Espirito Santo joined, as he's failed to get a look-in under his former Nottingham Forest boss.

Ward-Prowse impressed while with Southampton in the past, earning several England call-ups for his performances on the south coast.

Now, the Saints have found a breakthrough to bring the midfielder back to St. Mary's after talks with the Irons

West Ham are expected to get a transfer fee for Ward-Prowse, who was been eating up the wage bill in E20.

What we know as West Ham agree to shift on James Ward-Prowse

According to The Sun, Ward-Prowse is said to be earning a whopping £50,000 per week at the London Stadium.

The Hammers have been trying to sell him since the winter window, and have now been successful in their attempts, with just days left of the summer transfer window.

In an update from The Athletic this Thursday, West Ham and Southampton have reached an agreement in principle over the transfer of Ward-Prowse, who is set to rejoin the Saints for a "nominal fee".

The player was understood to always be open to a return to his former club, and will now be directly competing against the Hammers for promotion back to the Premier League.

He had loans with Nottingham Forest and Burnley while contracted to the Hammers, and is now set to return to the club who he already made a staggering 410 appearances for.

Could West Ham replace Ward-Prowse in last-gasp transfer?

With West Ham only set to receive a small fee for Ward-Prowse, his departure will not fund a move for his replacement.

The Irons have already welcomed Arne Engels to the club for £22million, but he is seen as an long-term investment after Mateus Fernandes departed for a mega fee.

Watford's Imran Louza could have been someone to replace Ward-Prowse, but is on his way to Greece

However, it's said that West Ham have strong belief in their youth talent, which is reportedly a reason for a lack of incomings at the London Stadium.

Lewis Orford and Mohamadou Kante will be given a more important role under Nuno this season, but the club could yet move for another player to add to the middle of the park once Ward-Prowse officially leaves.