Southampton and West Ham 'agree deal' for Ward-Prowse transfer

The fee is said to be in the region of £30million with the 28-year-old keen on a move to the Europa League Hammers, who won the Europa Conference League in May.

Manager David Moyes is a long-term admirer of England international Ward-Prowse and the Daily Echo understands talks progressed between the clubs this morning.

Ward-Prowse was not involved in Tuesday night’s EFL Cup 3-1 defeat at League Two Gillingham with around 10 players training separately at Staplewood.

Ward-Prowse plays more mins and makes more goals, passes, chances, tackles and fewer mistakes than any other Southampton player.

After 20 years here, some words for a legend - with insight from former manager Ronald Koeman, who knows a thing or two about FK's... 😇#SaintsFC

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) June 14, 2023

Several publications have reported that an agreement is now in place for Ward-Prowse’s transfer with the midfielder set to sign a four-year deal at London Stadium.

Saints had previously rejected bids of similar total value from West Ham for their captain but this deal is likely to include a more favourable structure with increased up-front payments.

Ward-Prowse has made 422 appearances since progressing through the academy, scoring 55 goals and making 55 assists - including setting up Che Adams for Friday night’s winner at Sheffield Wednesday.

The Championship opener could be the skipper’s final appearance in a Saints shirt despite hopes he would lead his side out one last time at St Mary’s versus Norwich City this weekend.

Manager Russell Martin has already confirmed that defender Jack Stephens will captain Saints in fixtures that Ward-Prowse does not feature in.