Premier League side West Ham United are interested in signing Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
According to The Guardian, West Ham United are in the market for a midfield signing and have identified Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips as possible options. The Hammers are eager to add reinforcements in the defence as well ahead of the next season.
West Ham, under David Moyes, have been challenging for European spots consistently and wish to continue in a similar vein in the upcoming season as well. In this quest, they have identified defence and midfield as two areas in need of summer reinforcements.
Ward-Prowse has emerged as a potential summer signing for West Ham with the Southampton midfielder showing scintillating form. The 27-year-old, in 34 Premier League appearances, has scored nine and assisted five goals from the midfield. He signed a new five-year contract with the Saints in August last year which extended his stay with the club until 2026.
However, West Ham United are keen to seriously pursue Ward-Prowse with Moyes believed to be a big fan of the England international. Ward-Prowse could be tempted to join the London-based outfit as they would offer him European football. The midfielder also has an eye on Gareth Southgate’s FIFA World Cup squad, and playing in Europe would give him a better chance of making a case.
But West Ham are not the only side vying for Ward-Prowse’s signature. Manchester United and Manchester City have also reportedly shown interest in the 27-year-old, but the Saints are in a great position to knock back any advancements due to the length of the midfielder’s contract.
West Ham United are also currently trying to tie down Declan Rice to a longer contract as interest from other Premier League clubs continues to grow. But the England international has rejected the latest offer from the club. If Rice leaves the club this summer, signing a midfielder will be of even more importance to West Ham.
Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United is also on their radar. The 26-year-old is a wanted entity in the transfer market as well. The Whites are currently involved in a relegation battle and if they fail to avoid the drop, Phillips could well be on his way out of Elland Road, which could pique the interest of West Ham. As of now, they are looking at him and Ward-Prowse as options to bolster their midfield come summer.
