Sources: West Ham have tabled verbal Ward-Prowse bid
West Ham saw a verbal bid for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse rejected earlier in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old is a long-term target for the Irons and they are keen to wrap up his arrival after losing their own skipper, Declan Rice, to Arsenal last week.
Football Insider revealed last week (10 July) that Ward-Prowse wants to leave second-tier Southampton for a Premier League club and is expected to be allowed to do so before the summer window shuts.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that West Ham have not been put off by the rejection of an initial verbal offer.
It is believed the Londoners are ready to formalise their interest and test Southampton’s resolve with an official bid.
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.
He notched 11 goals and five assists across 45 appearances in all competitions last term.
The England international has rightfully earned a reputation as a set-piece specialist since his breakthrough in 2012, notching 55 goals and 53 assists in 409 total appearances for Southampton.
Ward-Prowse has scored 17 career Premier League free-kicks and now trails David Beckham’s all-time record by just one goal.
His contract at St Mary’s Stadium is set to run until June 2026.
The midfielder has returned to pre-season training on the south coast, taking part in friendlies against Benfica and Goztepe.
West Ham will play Europa League football in the 2023-24 campaign after winning the Europa Conference League last season.
In other news, West Ham and Wolves set sights on signing Emiliano Martinez.