Presenter ExWHUemployee has claimed that West Ham United’s hopes of signing James Ward-Prowse could be set for a possible boost.
Already this summer, the Southampton man has been linked with a move to the Hammers, with Ex even claiming that the midfielder is being considered as a possible replacement for Mark Noble, who retired at the end of last season.
Considering Ward-Prowse, who has been called ‘unreal’, is currently the Saints’ captain, he may have a certain sense of loyalty to the club that could prevent him from making the switch to another Premier League side. However, Ex has claimed that because the player is actually a Portsmouth fan – he may be more willing to jump ship.
While speaking about the player on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex explained his full understanding of the Irons’ current transfer interest.
He said: “I didn’t realise this, but apparently he’s a Portsmouth fan, although he is now a bit of a Southampton legend, so I don’t know if that will make it easier for him to leave.
“But we are going to be looking at, like, £60m, I would guess, to sign him possibly, might be a bit less. But I think we will really struggle to get him for a cheap price. And it’s going to depend on how much the club are prepared to go for him.
“At the moment, I would say it’s unlikely. But he is definitely a key target.”
Should West Ham spend big on James Ward-Prowse?
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TIF Thoughts on James Ward-Prowse and West Ham…
There have been some reports, notably in The Sun, that suggest a figure of £75m could be required to bring the player over from Southampton this summer. With that in mind, some West Ham fans will be pleased to hear Ex state that it might not cost quite as much.
On top of that, the fact that the Saints captain might not have quite as big an allegiance to the club as some may have thought, may also come as a transfer boost to those who want to see him in a Hammers shirt next term.
With 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions last season, it’s easy to see why the midfielder is a wanted man. Ex does urge caution over any possible deal, though with the club definitely viewing Ward-Prowse as a ‘key target’, this move could yet happen.