Southampton seeks £40m for Ward-Prowse transfer with West Ham in pursuit.

Southampton is hoping to receive a fee of up to £40 million for their captain James Ward-Prowse this summer, despite their relegation. The club sees Ward-Prowse, who is 28 years old, as one of their few chances to receive a large sum during the transfer window as they look to fund a rebuild in the summer. Fellow midfielder Romeo Lavia, who is a target for Liverpool, will also command a high price, but there are few others who match their value. Despite dropping to the Championship, Ward-Prowse still has three years left on his contract and will be in demand this summer, leading to Southampton’s optimistic valuation. West Ham has been tracking the England midfielder for some time and is keen to add Fulham’s Joao Palhinha alongside him as they look to replace Declan Rice, who is a target for Arsenal and Manchester United. Despite Ward-Prowse’s age, suitors still feel there is potential resale value in any deal given his goal and assist record as well as his set-piece ability. Ward-Prowse scored nine goals and provided four assists in the Premier League this season, creating more chances than any other English midfielder with 74. No talks have been held between Ward-Prowse and interested clubs at this stage, with the Saints academy graduate planning some time away following his final Southampton game against Liverpool on Sunday. Southampton has confirmed the appointments of Darren Mowbray as head of recruitment and Mark Bitcon as director of performance.