David Moyes has ordered West Ham to reach an agreement with Southampton for James Ward-Prowse, according to the Daily Record.
The Scottish newspaper reported (1 August) that Moyes wants the Englishman in his squad by the end of the week as he targets two new midfielders to replace the departed Declan Rice. Moyes considers Ward-Prowse as a guarantee of goals and assists next season who will provide vital “professionalism” and “leadership” to the squad, but despite direct talks with the player Southampton are remaining steadfast in their valuation.
Moyes making his feelings abundantly clear to the West Ham hierarchy could go a long way in securing a deal for Ward-Prowse.
The 28-year-old has been expected to depart his boyhood Southampton following their relegation from the Premier League last season, and he is reportedly enthusiastic about a move to West Ham.
The Hammers have plenty of money to spend following the £105million departure of Rice but have yet to make a single signing this summer as fans begin to get concerned about the direction of the club’s transfer policy.
The new season is fast approaching, with West Ham’s opener against Bournemouth less than two weeks away. Moyes will no doubt be frustrated at a lack of mobility in the transfer window for West Ham, and securing Ward-Prowse’s signature as quickly as possible will be top of his priorities.
The club’s approach seems to be slight increases in bids over time, which has not made Southampton budge over their reported £40million valuation of the free-kick specialist [The Guardian].
Disagreements over his valuation may stem from Ward Prowse’s lack of resale value, but the Saints are not willing to let their captain leave so easily. Moyes should keep pushing the board to act more decisively over this deal, as the Hammers will also want more additions this summer if they are to improve their poor league form and push for a good run in the Europa League.
