Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that West Ham are ‘looking at other players’, as Tottenham transfer target, James Ward-Prowse, could prove to be too expensive for them, as he told Sky Sports News.
The Sky reporter claimed that West Ham want to ‘strengthen in central midfield’ and they have a ‘long-standing interest’ in the Southampton captain.
The problem facing David Moyes’ side is that they aren’t the only ones keen on the dead-ball specialist, with Tottenham and Newcastle also seemingly keen to add him to their books.
Ward-Prowse is an England international, and only last summer, he signed a new contract at St Mary’s that takes his deal up until 2026, so trying to lure him away from his boyhood club might put a dent in the pockets.
The valuation on the 27-year-old’s head is ‘very, very high’, according to Sheth, who spoke about West Ham’s interest in the player.
“They want to strengthen in central midfield,” said Sheth. “They do what to bring in a player in that position and there is a long-standing interest in the Southampton captain, James Ward-Prowse.
“Now, how realistic would this one be? West Ham are very aware of how difficult a deal it would be to do. Ward-Prowse, just in August, signed a new five-year contract at St Mary’s.
“If you think about that, coupled with the fact that he is an England international, so that normally comes with a premium, then you are dealing with two Premier League clubs, if a deal was to be discussed, where the valuation of Ward-Prowse would be very, very high.
“It would be something that West Ham might have to look at and say it’s something ‘we couldn’t go to’. Let’s see, if they continue talks and they are positive, then you can never say never. But, as a result, I think they are looking at other players.”
WARD-PROWSE READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL
Both West Ham and Spurs are in Europe, one in the Champions League, as Ward-Prowse is good enough to jump to their level.
It could be argued that he would be more needed in East London than north, with Mark Noble hanging up his boots this summer and Tomas Soucek’s form dipping last term.
Plus, with the Hammers playing so much football, they need that depth and Ward-Prowse would certainly provide that.
Spurs have already added to their midfield by bringing in Yves Bissouma, but it wouldn’t be a surprise with Champions League football around the corner and the new five subs rule being brought in, that even more depth is added.
Either way, someone like Ward-Prowse, who is probably the best free-kick taker in the world today, is ready to take that next step in his career.
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