Sources: West Ham now only club in running to sign Ward-Prowse
James Ward-Prowse is the most likely to join West Ham of David Moyes' three top summer targets, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (5 August) that newly-appointed Irons director of football Tim Steidten has chosen to veto Moyes’ chosen targets due to a lack of resale value.
It is believed the Scot identified Ward-Prowse alongside Man United duo Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire as his top priorities for the window.
Despite Steidten's reservations, the Southampton captain is the most likely of that trio to make the move to the London Stadium this summer.
West Ham are the only side interested in the England international's services and the player himself is keen on the move.
It is believed Ward-Prowse wants to return to the Premier League after being relegated with boyhood club Southampton last term.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that West Ham will put pressure on the Saints to strike a deal at around the £30million mark in the final weeks of the window.
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 put in an exemplary performance in Southampton's opening-day win over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday (4 August), grabbing the assist for Che Adams' late winner.
West Ham are yet to make a summer signing despite selling captain Declan Rice to Arsenal for a British-record fee last month.
The Irons start the 2023-24 campaign against Bournemouth on 12 August.