EPL: West Ham end interest in James Ward-Prowse

West Ham have ended their interest in Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse due to the price the Championship side are asking for their captain.

Before Declan Rice’s departure for Arsenal, Moyes identified a suitable replacement or two, and Ward-Prowse was one name that seemed to keep cropping up.

Having been relegated to the Championship with the Saints, the idea of being able to play his football in a European Championship year in the English top flight will have surely held massive appeal for the 28-year-old.

Ward-Prowse has spent his entire career with the Saints and has earned legendary status at St Mary’s having contributed 54 goals and 52 assists in 407 appearances across all competitions since his debut back in 2011.

The England international has also attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa during the summer transfer window.

However, with less than a fortnight to go until the start of the new Premier League season, and just a few days before the Championship season begins, West Ham have made a definitive decision on the player.

West Ham allegedly had two bids rejected by Southampton for the 28-year-old earlier this summer, including their most recent offer of around £20m plus £5m in add-ons.

Sky Sports News reported that West Ham have now decided to walk away from a deal to sign the midfielder as they as unwilling to meet Southampton’s asking price.

It is thought that the Saints were holding out for at least £30m, but the Hammers have decided to move on to other midfield targets.

West Ham have been frustrated in their pursuit of new signings and they are the only Premier League club who are yet to make a single addition this summer, with new technical director Tim Steidten under pressure to help bolster David Moyes’s squad.

The Hammers are understood to have seen a £45m bid for Joao Palhinha rejected by Fulham and a £40m offer for Conor Gallagher turned down by Chelsea, and it remains to be seen if they will return with improved offers.

Talks have also taken place with Ajax’s Edson Alvarez and Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, but there is believed to be a gap in valuation for both players.