Missing out to Fulham for James Ward-Prowse is seriously good news for West Ham as it can mean only one thing.
As Declan Rice edges ever closer to leaving West Ham all eyes will soon turn on to who will replace him.
Rice changed his Twitter picture and bio yesterday and it felt like the first step of his emotional goodbye to the Hammers.
Today reports from reliable sources have claimed there has been a major breakthrough with Man City now confident of signing the West Ham talisman.
With the impending sale of Rice and Manuel Lanzini being released, West Ham boss David Moyes faces a big rebuild in midfield.
It was reported last week that ‘work was going on behind the scenes’ as he bids to do just that.
West Ham turn attentions to replacing captain Rice
West Ham are said to have identified Fulham and Portugal defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha as their prime target to replace the skipper.
But the Hammers have also been very heavily linked with relegated Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse.
In fact The Daily Mail had claimed West Ham was Ward-Prowse’s most likely destination.
That was until The Independent reported that Fulham have now joined West Ham in the race to sign the set-piece specialist.
Worse still for West Ham is that the report claims the midfielder prefers a move to Fulham.
That came as disappointing news for West Ham fans who feel Ward-Prowse could add 15-20 goals to their side. And many feel that would help take the edge off losing Rice.
Missing out to Fulham for James Ward-Prowse is seriously good news for West Ham as it can mean only one thing – view
But missing out to Fulham for Ward-Prowse is seriously good news for West Ham as it can mean only one thing.
That the Cottagers are gearing up to sell Palhinha following encouraging claims this week.
With the excellent Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic, Andreas Pereira and Tom Cairney already competing for one or two spots in central midfield alongside Palhinha, there is no way Fulham can add another player to that mix with no European football.
And claims that Ward-Prowse prefers a move to Craven Cottage suggests he has been offered assurances he will be a guaranteed starter.
So it suggests reports that emerged this week about West Ham being in talks to sign Palhinha for around £50m have substance.
Reporter claimed Hammers have had encouragement over £50m Palhinha deal which explains Fulham’s sudden Ward-Prowse move
The Evening Standard’s former West Ham reporter Jack Rosser – now at The Sun – claimed agents of Palhinha have been in London this week for West Ham talks ahead of a potential £50m deal with Fulham.
“West Ham holding further talks over a move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha this week,” Rosser said.
“Palhinha’s representatives in London for discussions and West Ham have had encouragement they could get a deal done at £50million.”
Palhinha was statistically the best defensive midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues last season bar none.
So from that point of view he would be a fantastic signing for West Ham. As a result it looks like the Hammers will have to accept they can’t have Ward-Prowse too.
With the likes of Harvey Barnes being linked with a move to West Ham, though, that should not be too difficult to swallow.
Particularly as there have been doubts among some West Ham fans that beyond his set-piece proficiency, Ward-Prowse would offer little to the side.
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