Revealed: Major update on West Ham and new Ward-Prowse bid
West Ham are to submit an improved bid for James Ward-Prowse of around £25million, sources have told Football Insider.
Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox has confirmed the club rejected an offer from the Premier League club for their captain.
The bid was worth £20m – £17m initial payment plus £3m in performance related add-ons.
Wilcox says the club don’t have to sell but will consider the right offer.
Ward-Prowse is believed to be keen to return to the Premier League following Southampton’s relegation and would be open to join the east London club.
West Ham are now expected to go back in with an improved bid as they look to secure a deal ahead of the new season.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on Wednesday (26 July) that West Ham are continuing Ward-Prowse talks with a deal now believed to be very possible.
Fulham and Brentford have also been credited with an interest recently, while Newcastle and Tottenham have also been mentioned as possible destinations.
The midfielder 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.
Russell Martin has taken the helm at St Mary’s Stadium following relegation, replacing Ruben Selles.
Speaking to Southampton’s YouTube channel (28 June), Martin admitted he expects players to leave and claimed even those who start the 2023-24 campaign in a Southampton shirt could exit the club later on in the summer window.
In other news, West Ham confident £40m deal can now be done