West Ham Set to Make Second Bid for Southampton Captain James Ward-Prowse
West Ham United are reportedly preparing to make a second bid for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse. The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Saints following their relegation to the Championship.
Ward-Prowse has been a key player for Southampton since making his debut in 2011. Despite being unable to help the team avoid relegation last season, he is now being offered a potential route back to the Premier League.
The Hammers recently said goodbye to star player Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal for a staggering £105 million. This has left a significant void in their midfield, and Ward-Prowse has been identified as a potential replacement.
However, West Ham’s initial bid of £20 million falls well short of Southampton’s valuation of the 28-year-old. The Saints value the 11-time England international at £40 million, which would make him their third highest departure fee if paid.
West Ham is the only Premier League club yet to make a senior signing this summer, with the new season just two weeks away. The pressure is on for them to secure a midfield replacement before the transfer window closes.
If the move goes through, Ward-Prowse will leave Southampton after making an impressive 409 appearances for the club over 12 seasons. His departure would be a significant loss for the Saints, who will face a tough battle to keep him as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Despite recent speculation, Ward-Prowse was left out of Southampton’s squad for a pre-season friendly against Bournemouth due to a knee injury. However, it was a precautionary measure, and he is expected to be fit to face AZ Alkmaar on Saturday.
In other football news, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is set to hold talks with Bayern Munich executives regarding a potential transfer of Harry Kane. The negotiations could have significant implications for both clubs and the player’s future.
Additionally, Brighton has rejected Chelsea’s improved bid for Moises Caicedo as they hold out for a £100 million fee. The Ecuadorian midfielder has attracted interest from several top clubs, but Brighton is determined to secure a substantial fee for his services.
As the new Premier League season approaches, fans and clubs alike are eagerly awaiting further transfer developments. The next few weeks promise to be filled with excitement and anticipation as teams finalize their squads for the upcoming campaign.
In conclusion, West Ham’s pursuit of James Ward-Prowse continues as they prepare to make a second bid for the Southampton captain. The midfielder’s potential move to the Hammers would fill a significant void in their midfield following Declan Rice’s departure. However, negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, with Southampton valuing Ward-Prowse at £40 million. As the transfer window deadline looms, West Ham will need to act quickly to secure their desired target.