West Ham expected to beat Newcastle United to James Ward-Prowse deal – pundit
Noel Whelan has tipped West Ham to beat Newcastle United to the signing of Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested personal reasons, coupled with the lure of European football, would sway the 27-year-old in the direction of the Hammers.
The Mirror (15 June) claim West Ham are considering launching a bid for the Saints star, with Newcastle also interested in a possible summer deal.
The midfielder signed a new deal running until 2026 last August.
Whelan insisted both West Ham and Newcastle could be “very tempting” moves for Ward-Prowse.
However, he suggested the Irons could have the edge in luring him from St Mary’s.
“I think they’re both very tempting,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“I think both have good managers, both clubs have got ambition. That’s what you want if you’re going to leave a club.
“You want to be going to a club that’s going to be an improvement of where you’ve been. Logistically, if you’re looking at Southampton, it’s not too far away from London. You’re looking at your playing in Europe as well.
“But then you look at what could be in Newcastle. You’re looking in the future, what this club is going to be like. That could be tempting.
“I think right now, if you’ve got West Ham and Newcastle in for you, I think it comes down to preference for the player and preference over a move away from home with family.
“These are things that you can’t overlook because they are important to a player. The lure of European football could be the key to Ward-Prowse right now with where he is in his footballing career.”
In other news, pundit claims West Ham could sell £30m star to fund Jesse Lingard move as decision made.