WEST HAM are set to make an opening bid for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse, according to reports.
The Saints skipper has been heavily linked with an exit after his side’s relegation from the Premier League.
West Ham are set to launch a bid for James Ward-ProwseGetty
And West Ham are in need of a midfielder with Declan Rice on the verge of joining Arsenal.
But their opening offer for Ward-Prowse is set to fall below Southampton’s asking price, according to the Daily Mail.
It is believed the Hammers are set to bid around £20million, which is only half of what the Saints want for the 28-year-old.
Ward-Prowse has reportedly had enquiries from around ten clubs this summer.
But Southampton are determined to keep their talisman and will not let both Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia leave in the same window.
Lavia, 19, has attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool but has a £50m price tag.
Arsenal are also looking to snap up the youngster after holding progressive talks with Southampton and Lavia’s representatives.
Manchester United have also been credited with an interest.
While Lavia’s former club Manchester City could yet spoil the party.
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They have a buyback clause of £40m that becomes active next year.
And should Pep Guardiola decide he wants Lavia back, it could throw a spanner in the works for his rivals’ transfer ambitions.
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