West Ham to make improved bid for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse after seeing previous offer rejected

West Ham United are reportedly preparing to make an improved offer for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse. 

The Hammers are looking for midfield reinforcements after they sold Declan Rice to Arsenal in a £105 million move. 

They have identified Ward-Prowse as a perfect fit to their needs but their previous offer of £25m was turned down by the Saints. 

The Irons also considered making Flynn Downs part of the deal but the Championship side weren’t interested. 

West Ham are now ready to make an improved bid to sign the 28-year-old this summer, per the Daily Mail. 

Ward-Prowse has been one of the most consistent performers for Southampton since he broke into the first-team in 2012-13. 

The central midfielder has made over 400 appearances in the last 11 years but the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League means he is set to depart the club this summer. 

David Moyes’ side have yet to make a major signing in this transfer window, although they have been linked with many top quality players so far. 

They endured a disappointing 2022-23 campaign in the English top-flight, slipping down to 14th in the rankings after finishing seventh a year before. 

But the Hammers ended their season on a high by winning the Europa Conference League after beating Fiorentina in the final. 

West Ham have enjoyed a good 2023 pre-season so far, with the East Londoners beating Boreham Wood, Perth Glory and Tottenham Hotspur. 

But they were held to a 2-2 draw in their most recent friendly at Dagenham & Redbridge. 

David Moyes’ men will now face Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais today at Roazhon Park.