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Sources: Major update on West Ham bid to sign James Ward-Prowse
West Ham have a concrete interest in signing James Ward-Prowse, sources have told Football Insider.
The Irons have been encouraged a deal could be possible by the predicament of Southampton, who are selling their star men following relegation.
Ward-Prowse, 28, wants to join a Premier League club and is expected to be allowed to do so before the summer window shuts.
Southampton’s valuation will be the key, but West Ham are firmly in the race along with other top-tier clubs.
West Ham are set to ramp up their pursuit of Ward-Prowse in the coming days with their captain, Declan Rice, set to complete a move to Arsenal.
Football Insider revealed last week (2 July) that West Ham are keen to add two central midfielders in the wake of Rice’s imminent departure.
Ward-Prowse 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.
The 11-cap England star has scored 17 career Premier League free-kicks and now trails David Beckham’s all-time record by just one goal.
He became Southampton’s assist king last season, as he notched 11 goals and five assists across 45 appearances in all competitions last term.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (7 July) that Southampton midfield duo Ward-Prowse and Liverpool target Romeo Lavia are “fully expected” to depart the club this summer.
New Southampton boss Russell Martin has admitted players will leave the club this summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship – even if deals are finalised after the start of the 2023-24 season.
In other news, West Ham told to sign Man United midfielder for ‘£40m’