West Ham United Pursue Southampton Midfielder James Ward-Prowse with Official Bid

West Ham United are determined to acquire Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse and are preparing to make an official bid for his services. With the departure of their captain Declan Rice, the Hammers are eager to reinforce their midfield for the upcoming season.

Despite a challenging season where they narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League, West Ham managed to end on a high note by clinching the UEFA Conference League title. Rice’s move to Arsenal provided the club with significant financial support, enabling them to pursue top players and bolster their squad.

While West Ham are also seeking attacking reinforcements, their primary focus is strengthening their midfield. Talks have been ongoing with Southampton regarding a potential deal for James Ward-Prowse, who has been a loyal and valuable player for the club. However, his willingness to part ways with Southampton has arisen following the team’s relegation to the Championship.

West Ham have already made a verbal offer for the 28-year-old midfielder, but it was turned down by the Saints, who are demanding a fee of approximately £40-£50 million. Despite this, West Ham remains determined to secure the set-piece specialist and plans to submit an official bid soon. They believe this will open up negotiations and provide them with a chance to bring the England international to their ranks.