West Ham told to complete ‘£25m’ Ward-Prowse deal – Agbonlahor
West Ham have been told to complete the box-office capture of James Ward-Prowse for no more than “£25million”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Ward-Prowse would be an “amazing” signing for the Hammers at the right price.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on Monday (10 July) that West Ham have a concrete interest in signing James Ward-Prowse, and they have been encouraged a deal could be possible by the predicament of Southampton, who are selling their star men following relegation.
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.
With a potential transfer on the cards, Agbonlahor believes that Ward-Prowse could fill the void left by Rice.
“Ward-Prowse would be an amazing replacement for Rice, without a doubt” he told Football Insider.
“West Ham should sign him, but the only thing I would say is they must not pay over the odds for how much he will cost to get him in.
“Southampton might try and get too much for him and much more than he’s actually worth.
“He’s a top player, but he’s been relegated, so you know he isn’t going to want to play in the Championship. He just won’t, I can tell you that. So I think £20million-£25million is fair for someone who is in the second division.
“If you put Ward-Prowse next to Tomas Soucek and another midfield signing, then things will be looking bright for West Ham”.
In other news, Fulham ready move to beat West Ham to landmark deal