Sources: West Ham to get Ward-Prowse deal moving with official bid
West Ham hope to get their pursuit of James Ward-Prowse moving with an official bid for the Southampton captain, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (21 July) that the Irons saw a verbal bid for the 28-year-old rejected earlier in the summer window.
Ward-Prowse’s asking price continues to be the sticking point in negotiations, with Southampton wanting to hold out for a bid of £40-50million before allowing their skipper to depart.
That is despite the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
It is believed a host of interested Premier League sides have baulked at Southampton’s demands for their captain.
However, a well-placed source has told Football Insider that West Ham have not been put off by the rejection of an initial verbal offer and will now formalise their interest with an official bid.
Ward-Prowse‘s contract at St Mary’s Stadium is set to run until June 2026.
The England international 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 has notched 55 goals and 53 assists in 409 total appearances since coming through the famous Southampton academy.
West Ham have made central midfield reinforcements one of their top priorities following the sale of Declan Rice last week.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (21 July) that the Irons are also in the market for a centre-back and a prolific striker this summer.
In other news, 24-year-old rejects West Ham part-exchange plan.