Clearest sign yet that much touted West Ham transfer for Saints star James Ward-Prowse has been decided after major evening twist

Clearest sign yet that much touted West Ham transfer for Saints star James Ward-Prowse has been decided after a major evening twist.

West Ham boss David Moyes had reportedly made Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse one of his prime targets this summer transfer window.

The Hammers saw their latest offer of £30m including add-ons rejected by the relegated south coast club.

And West Ham then threatened to walk away from the deal as the Saints insisted they want closer to £40m.

But Football Insider then claimed earlier today that West Ham were ‘still confident’ of getting a deal done for Ward-Prowse.

Clearest sign yet that much touted West Ham transfer for Saints star James Ward-Prowse has been decided after major evening twist

Sky Sports backed up those reports by insisting West Ham have not given up on the world class dead ball specialist.

We reported on Hammers News earlier that Ward-Prowse would be available for selection for Southampton’s Championship season opener against Sheffield Wednesday.

However we stated that all West Ham eyes would be on the Southampton line-up for the game because any late withdrawals would suggest something is afoot.

But there has been the clearest sign yet that the much touted West Ham transfer for Saints star Ward-Prowse has been decided after a major evening twist.

Ward-Prowse STARTS and that surely ENDS West Ham pursuit?

Because Ward-Prowse STARTS for Southampton, suggesting that any move to West Ham is either off or certainly nowhere near close.

If there was any chance the West Ham move could still happen then this would be a seriously risky strategy from the Championship club.

They are essentially taking a £30m risk playing Ward-Prowse considering the guaranteed money on the table from the Hammers.

An injury in the game would prove very costly indeed. And with Southampton already missing out on well over £100m in revenue next season, it’s a big gamble.

Meanwhile Romeo Lavia is on the bench which suggests he is set for a move with Liverpool in the bidding.

Perhaps the breaking news today that West Ham are closing in on signing Man United duo Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire is another indication the Hammers have moved on from Ward-Prowse.

Especially as reports elsewhere insist West Ham are pushing to make Youssouf Fofana their other midfield signing.