West Ham United have been embroiled in the transfer speculation all summer and they are keen to get some deals done. With Declan Rice’s departure the main topic of conversation at the London Stadium, David Moyes has been very keen to get the midfield replacement in as soon as possible but it looks like he will have to wait a little longer with the latest rejection.
Southampton keen to hang onto local lad
Although he was born in Portsmouth, James Ward-Prowse is very much a Southampton lad having been with the club since he was eight years old. Twenty years later he is at a major crossroads with Southampton failing to stay in the Premier League.
With many teams wanting the set piece specialist, Southampton believe that the skipper is willing to play in the Championship for another year in a bid to get back into the Premier League at the first attempt.
Where do the issues lie?
Southampton have put a massive price tag on Ward-Prowse and want a bid in the region of £40 million. This is a big deal for a now Championship player but his free kicks are worth that to any side.
With Ward-Prowse still in consideration for the England squad, a deal like that for an England international is not an estimation that is too far off.
However, West Ham are not wanting to entertain a deal anywhere near close to the £40 million asking price. They are only willing to pay £25 million for him and that is not what Southampton want from a side that is known to have money.
Will West Ham turn their attentions elsewhere?
Tensions are growing between Moyes and the board as no signings have been made. Premier League survival last year was a struggle despite the amazing run in the Europa Conference League where it ended with success in Prague.
Yet with deals for Manchester United pair Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay going nowhere, which is the same with Chelsea’s Connor Gallagher; much like the Ward-Prowse deal, there are growing concerns among the West Ham staff.
They need a new centre midfielder to replace the massive hole that Rice has left and they do not have long before their season kicks off against Bournemouth on 12th August.