West Ham United have reportedly made an offer for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.
According to Daily Telegraph, Premier League side West Ham United have made an offer for the services of Southampton star James Ward-Prowse in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The Hammers recently lost skipper and star midfielder Declan Rice to Arsenal for a club-record fee. The void in the middle of the park needs to be filled, but Ward-Prowse is not a like-to-like replacement for the new Gunners star.
Unlike Rice, who excelled at defence, Ward-Prowse is an excellent passer who helps connect the backline to the attack. He is also amongst the finest set-piece takers in English football and could thrive under David Moyes. who likes to attack the dead ball when afforded the opportunity.
Most important of all, Ward-Prowse donned the armband at St. Mary’s and should fill the leadership void created by Rice’s exit. This presence in the middle of the park should make life easier for the players around and help maintain organisation when the season kicks off in August.
Both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were previously linked with the Southampton star. But interest has now cooled. The time is ripe for Moyes and co. to swoop in and secure themselves a solid addition to a promising roster.
The 28-year-old is privy to a £25 million bid, and it remains to be seen if Southampton will allow him to leave for a low price. After all, he still has three years left on his current deal, and the Saints hold the aces when it comes to negotiations. They have shown themselves to be resolute when it comes to Romeo Lavia and the same could apply to Ward-Prowse.
Should the Hammers land the Englishman for the aforementioned amount, they should still have enough in their kitty to add a defensive midfielder to the roster. Their interest in Joao Palhinha is likely to take a back seat following the Fulham star’s injury. This could see the Hammers turn their attention to other names on the list like Scott McTominay and Denis Zakaria.
Adding strength in depth will be key as West Ham seek to build upon their UEFA Conference League win from last season. Ward-Prowse could prove to be an inspired addition provided his arrival is accompanied by another defensive midfielder who can hold the fort in the middle of the park.
