CandH Exclusive by Sean Whetstone
While some bookmakers have West Ham at evens to land James Ward Prowse that’s a far cry from reality.
Not only do Southampton value him at £75m essentially pricing him out of the market but Claret and Hugh have learned the player is very settled indeed on the South coast.
A source close Ward Prowse family has told CandH that James and his family are extremely happy in Hampshire and that his young son has just started at a good school.
The couple and little one have a great house in the New Forest in the wonderful surroundings.
We have been told that he isn’t interested in a move to a bigger club right now and the 27-year-old is content to see out his existing contract with the Saints.
The club captain signed a new five year contract just last August to take him to 2026 and is believed to have an option for two years after that.
Thus a transfer is looking less likely by the day.
Right, move on! 😳
It’s never looked likely. Ward Prowse has lived in Hampshire his whole life. He is the mark Noble of Southampton. Only way he’s going to move is if Southampton get relegated.
Hammers appreciate loyalty to their club so good luck to him. He’s living the dream. Good player but if he’s settled let’s reward our own like Soucek, forget Lingard and move on. We want players who want to play for us, who will improve our squad and who have the right stuff character-wise. COYI.
We were never going to pay Southampton’s valuation, so time to move on and find a more realistic target.
If Bournemouth any money he could stay in the New Forest-just a longer trek to work.
What you are reporting on him being settled and happy is well known, which is why although exciting if it were possible it was never likely, a bit like Noble and Le Tissier he seems to be likely to be a one club player, which make it even more off that we didn’t try to sign Bissouma for a mere £25m.
As others have said we should move on and look to foreign markets for playmakers Italy, Spain and Holland are usually rich in talent so lets buy someone we can afford.
Thank you Sean for a bit of realism. J WP has a good contract with his local club, plays for England, and is happy and loyal. Why would they sell? Certainly only for a huge wedge and then he might resist. We cannot afford him, have no sway to get him and no reason for him to come to us. In my opinion this is a non-starter and a distraction.
Interesting story for Southampton today being linked with Josh Brownhill of Burnley, if anything comes of that, they are a different type of player but Sothampton’s model is to develop players and sell on at huge profits which they are excellent at, there may if thta is the case be movement on this, whether he comes to us would then again be a different kettle of fish, could see Man Utd being interested under Ten Hag.