Sources: West Ham step up bid to sign James Ward-Prowse
West Ham are keen to land Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
It is also believed that fellow London side Fulham are ready to swoop for the 28-year-old following the Saints' relegation to the Championship.
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.
The south coast club are holding out for top money for their best assets and are willing to wait for a suitable offer to arrive.
Nevertheless, 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.
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.
According to Sky Sports (7 July), Rice has undergone a Gunners medical as he puts the finishing touches on a £105million move to the Premier League runners-up.
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 notched 11 goals and five assists across 45 appearances in all competitions last term.
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.
A left-back and wide forward are also targets as the Irons look to reinvest most of the funds received for their captain.