OPINION
West Ham should hijack Watford’s bid for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse to top off their summer business, after the Hornets made an offer of £10million for the playmaker.
The Sun claimed on their website that the Watford boss Javi Gracia has made a late move to bolster his squad with the England international at the top of his transfer target list.
Ward-Prowse joined Southampton at the age of nine and has remained with the club ever since and featured in more than half of the Saints’ Premier League matches last season.
Despite West Ham making eight transfer signings already during the summer window, Ward-Prowse is a promising English midfielder that could elevate his career by moving towards West Ham.
Under the managerial guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, the Hammers are expected to deliver this season after a list of big-money transfers arriving at the London Stadium.
Ward-Prowse has a great deal of experience for a player who does not turn 24 until November, making 167 appearances in the top flight of English football.
Making a move for the set piece specialist (WhoScored) could then see West Ham go head-to-head with Watford for his signature, but there is every chance that they could convince a switch to the London Stadium rather than Vicarage Road.
Ward-Prowse is also a versatile player, with the ability to operate on the right flank as well, making him a very useful option to have in a squad. If the new signings fail to adapt to life in the Premier League, he will be an appropriate option to select for key matches in what is a big season for the Hammers.
With just over 24 hours to go until the transfer window slams shut at 5pm on Thursday, a last minute deal to sign Ward-Prowse would be some top business by West Ham.
