West Ham should finally complete James Ward-Prowse signing once heads are banged together
West Ham and Southampton should agree a deal for midfielder James Ward-Prowse once “heads are banged together”, according to The Mirror.
The newspaper reported online (2 August) that while the Saints are within their right to charge a significant £40million fee on their captain, a deal should be completed once tough negotiations have settled and a deal is hammered out.
David Moyes has urged the board to complete the deal for the England international, while Ward-Prowse is keen on the move to be completed [Daily Record], so a deal should be agreed.
Slowly but surely
Ward-Prowse has been a long-term target for the Hammers, but the Saints have not looked like budging since negotiations began.
West Ham’s incremental bid strategy has not paid off yet, and they are looking likely to pay close to the initial £40million value, which the Irons certainly have following Declan Rice’s sale.
Southampton know this, so will not feel any remorse for pushing the Hammers’ budget to its maximum at the expense of their captain.
Negotiations became frustrating for both parties, with West Ham reportedly set to end negotiations after multiple rejections from the south coast side [The Guardian].
But Ward-Prowse’s eagerness for the move could prove vital. A player of his ability, recognition and Premier League experience will not want to spend one of the final seasons of his peak years in the Championship, even with boyhood Southampton.
His exit felt as inevitable as the Saints’ relegation, and West Ham feels like a natural and appropriate move for the free-kick specialist.
However, the deal is reportedly likely to come through. It benefits all parties if Southampton gets near £40million as that could go a long way in improving their squad ahead of their season back in the Championship.
Ward-Prowse’s set-piece ability suit West Ham’s play style perfectly, while his leadership qualities and professionalism make him an ideal player for Moyes.
Despite a rocky negotiation, the deal should be completed for West Ham’s first summer signing.
