West Ham have signed a star Aston Villa desperately wanted in James Ward-Prowse claims former boss Dean Smith.
Aston Villa and West Ham are competing on the pitch this season for the European spots.
Although Villa’s 4-1 thumping of the Hammers may have suggested otherwise, it’s a long season and both the claret and blues will be there or thereabouts come what May.
But West Ham and Aston Villa are also in competition off it too when it comes to transfers.
West Ham have signed star Aston Villa desperately wanted in James Ward-Prowse claims former boss Dean Smith
The two clubs sit in that second tier of teams looking to ruffle the feathers of the so-called “big six” – a sycophantic term perpetuated by the football media and particularly Sky Sports.
After the loss to Aston Villa, David Moyes revealed he wanted to sign their striker Ollie Watkins when he was at Brentford.
Villa clearly beat West Ham to the punch.
But it seems there was a measure of revenge in the summer according to one ex manager.
Because West Ham have signed a star Aston Villa desperately wanted in James Ward-Prowse claims former boss Dean Smith.
Ex manager’s admission highlights big Hammers coup
Speaking as a guest on Sky Sports, Smith revealed he really wanted to sign Ward-Prowse for Villa.
The ex Aston Villa boss waxed lyrical about Ward-Prowse and made the revelation, admitting he pushed to try and capture the midfield ace from Southampton.
Where Smith once failed, though, Moyes and the West Ham board succeeded in the summer in what now looks a bargain £30m deal.
Ward-Prowse delivered some brilliant corners for the Hammers against Villa but it was not enough to make the difference on the day.
The former Saints captain has eight goals and assists for West Ham in 10 games so far this season.
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