West Ham ‘confident’ of signing deadly star James Ward-Prowse when Declan Rice money finally lands

West Ham United are said to be ‘confident’ of signing deadly star James Ward-Prowse when the Declan Rice money finally lands.

West Ham’s drawn out – but now imminent – sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for a British record £105m has seen the club linked with a plethora of replacements.

And one name consistently reported as one of those targets is relegated Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

The Hammers have been labelled favourites to sign the England midfielder with The Daily Mail claiming West Ham were Ward-Prowse’s most likely destination.

And back in April Moyes let slip that he tried to bring Saints star Ward-Prowse to West Ham previously.

West Ham ‘confident’ of signing deadly star James Ward-Prowse when Declan Rice money finally lands
Last month journalist Matt Law said the 28-year-old is ‘keen’ to join the east Londoners.

And yesterday The Daily Mail claimed West Ham are set to bid £25m for the Saints skipper – some £10-15m below the south coast club’s asking price.

Now it’s claimed West Ham are ‘confident’ of signing deadly star Ward-Prowse when the Rice money finally lands.

Arsenal have promised the Hammers board the Rice paperwork will be signed and delivered today.

That means the deal should be completed this weekend and with it the first tranche of three instalments – worth over £33m – will work its way into West Ham’s bank account.

‘I was speaking to someone…’
And talkSPORT reporter Ian Abrahams, who has close links to the Hammers boardroom, claims he’s been told West Ham are ‘confident’ of getting a deal done for Ward-Prowse when it does.

“I was at the Boreham Wood v West Ham game on Monday and from what I understand it’s just a few i’s and t’s that are waiting to be dotted and crossed…” Abrahams said.

“I think West Ham are maybe getting a little bit frustrated because obviously they can’t go out and spend the money at the moment. Obviously they can’t go out and reinvigorate their squad…

“I was chatting to somebody last weekend who was quite confident West Ham were going to get James Ward-Prowse… I think if it happens it’ll be a really good move. But West Ham can’t do anything right now until they’ve actually got the money in the bank.”

As fans will be well aware, Ward-Prowse is deadly from free-kicks and set-pieces. Pep Guardiola described him as the best free-kick taker in world football.

The Hammers target has scored 17 free-kicks in the Premier League, just one short of matching the record.