By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

26th Jul, 2023 | 4:37pm

Revealed: West Ham make progress on talks to sign James Ward-Prowse - sources

West Ham are continuing talks over Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse with a deal now believed to be very possible, sources have told Football Insider.

The Hammers opened talks at the end of last week and are keen to bring in the Saints captain this summer after their relegation to the Championship.

Ward-Prowse is understood to be keen on a return to the Premier League with a number of clubs keen.

However, it is the east London outfit who are now in pole position to sign a player valued around £45million.

Football insider exclusively revealed West Ham were set to make a official approach for the England international on the 23rd of June.

Talks have continued over the past few days after an initial bid made of around £35m by the London side for the 28-year-old.

Personal terms are not expected to present any issues and once a understanding is struck between clubs, the player could move to his new surroundings very quickly.

Ward-Prowse is not the only target for the London Stadium side as they have had early conversations over signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher and Man United’s Scott McTominay.

Southampton could also lose multiple players over the next few weeks with Liverpool pushing on talks over teenage sensation Romeo Lavia.

The England international played every Premier League game in the 2022-23 campaign and has racked up 343 total top-flight appearances since making his debut in 2012.

He has notched 55 goals and 53 assists in 409 total appearances since coming through the famous Southampton academy.

In other news, Top pro says West Ham will complete Conor Gallagher signing