West Ham close in on James Ward-Prowse transfer deal

Southampton and West Ham are edging closer to an agreement for the transfer of England international midfielder James Ward-Prowse. The Hammers have money to spend following the departure of England international Declan Rice, and in James Ward-Prowse are receiving one of the country's most consistent performers in recent years.

28-year-old Prowse has so far been a one club man, having began his career with the Saints in 2003 as a 9-year-old, eventually forcing his way into the club's first-team in 2011. Since then, twelve years later, the central midfielder has played 343 times for Southampton, scoring 49 goals. The set-piece specialist is also known seen as a potential candidate to replace Rice as captain at West Ham.

Ward-Prowse is hopeful that an impressive season at the Hammers will give him the opportunity to add to his 11 caps and 2 goals for England, as we head into Euro 2024.

Yesterday, West Ham had another bid rejected for the player worth approximately £25 million. The Saints are looking for a fee closer to £40 million before they consider a transfer exit, but the two teams are nearing an agreement as the player seems to be ready to depart St Mary's for a new challenge.