West Ham United could now be about to sign 28-year-old

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West Ham United have reportedly held positive talks with Southampton over the signing of midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim the two sides have held positive contacts in regard to the transfer of the English midfielder.

The news comes after they pivoted their plans to target the Saints midfielder after seeing an offer for Conor Gallagher rejected, according to the BBC.

The Hammers are still continuing to look for a replacement for midfielder Declan Rice, who completed his move to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal last week.

According to the report from Sky, the clubs are edging closer to an agreement for the 28-year-old midfielder.

West Ham were initially targeting Gallagher to replace Rice but saw their £40 million offer for the midfielder rejected and it seems the Hammers don’t want to go any higher.

As a result, they’ve moved on to alternatives.

Ward-Prowse has been one of Southampton’s most consistent players in the Premier League and it always seemed likely the midfielder’s departure was a formality once Southampton’s relegation was confirmed.

West Ham United could be able to sign James Ward-Prowse

According to the same report, personal terms for the midfielder to make the move to the London Stadium are not thought to be an issue.

The Englishman, who is a well-renowned free-kick specialist, would be a crucial cog in the West Ham midfield following the departure of Rice.

The fee for the 28-year-old remains unknown but if West Ham could sign the midfielder for any fee below the £40 million they offered for Gallagher, then that would be superb business for the Hammers.

West Ham saw an opening offer for the midfielder worth £25 million rejected, as reported by The Telegraph, so the deal for the 28-year-old may well be around £30-40 million.

The question would be, if they pulled off the signing of Ward-Prowse, would there be another? With Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta, David Moyes’ side have the basis for a solid midfield.

But West Ham have also been linked by TalkSport with Manchester United’s Scott Mctominay and the importance of Rice to West Ham cannot be understated. The Hammers, without question, would need a second midfield addition.