West Ham are working on a £32 million deal for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse this weekend after talks took place on Tuesday afternoon
- James Ward-Prowse was in the interest of West Ham United this summer
- The England international could leave if the Hammers reach his £32 million valuation
- Tottenham ‘trying to hijack West Ham’s pursuit of England midfielder’
West Ham are working on a deal for Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse.
The Hammers have been chasing the Saints star, with the Championship side rejecting numerous advances on the part of David Moyes so far during the summer transfer window.
The Europa Conference League champions had turned down a £25 million bid for the England international, raising their latest bid for the midfielder to £27 million plus a further £3 million in add-ons.
Mail Sport understands talks took place on Tuesday afternoon and a deal is possible as long as the Hammers meet the asking price of around £32m.
Sources close to the deal insist the deal is not finalized, although all parties are working to close a deal before the weekend.
James Ward-Prowse has been the subject of a number of advances from West Ham this summer
David Moyes’ side could strike a deal for the England star if they hit the £32 million asking price
West Ham are also in hot pursuit of Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay
As such, Saturday’s Championship clash with Norwich at the weekend could be Ward-Prowse’s last in red and white.
The set pieces specialist was not in the squad for the Saints’ dismal 3-1 defeat to League Two Gillingham on Tuesday night, with Liverpool target Romeo Lavia also absent.
The Hammers are also on the hunt for Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, with Moyes hoping for a double attack on his former club.
However, Mail Sport understands that the Hammers still fall short of United’s valuations for both McTominay and Maguire, although Moyes would still like to sign both players and Ward-Prowse.
A move to Fulham’s Joao Palhinha is also not out of the question, although the player’s injury – and €60m price tag – is believed to be a deterrent for West Ham, also admirers of Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.
There has been unrest at West Ham over a lack of transfer activity, although Moyes and Co have now agreed a £34 million fee for Ajax’s Edson Alvarez as they look to spend part of the £105 million on the sale of Declan Rice.
Ward-Prowse has spent his entire professional career with Southampton, having graduated from the club’s academy.
In his 13-year stay at St. Mary’s, the 28-year-old played 410 games, scored 55 goals and provided 54 assists.
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