Paul Merson has suggested that James Ward-Prowse should join West Ham United from Southampton this summer.
James Ward-Prowse has been persistently linked with a move to join the Hammers since the start of the summer transfer window according to the likes of Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
The thing is, if the Hammers made a £50-55 million bid for Ward-Prowse, we would probably get him. The £70 million fee the Saints are asking for is pretty much just posturing in all fairness.
That’s not the only problem West Ham boss David Moyes faces though.
Ward-Prowse is allegedly happy to stay at Southampton (talkSPORT). And that is something that he’s been criticised for in some circles…
Paul Merson thinks James Ward-Prowse should join West Ham
The 11-capped England international is a top-class player.
Like Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier though, is he destined to remain at the club for his entire career?
Paul Merson told The Daily Star how the 27-year-old looks like he wants to stay at Southampton despite strong interest in his signature from West Ham:
“If James Ward-Prowse takes the soft option and stays at Southampton. I start to worry when that happens when a player plays it safe like that. What are you going to do, realistically, at Southampton? West Ham wanted Ward-Prowse and that would have been a good move for him too because they will finish above Saints. But I said before that Arsenal should have gone in for him. The thing is, if he’s staying at Southampton, maybe he doesn’t have the ambition?”
Ward-Prowse is a sensational footballer and has been dubbed as the best set-piece taker in world football by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Ward-Prowse enjoyed his best season ever for Southampton last term, bagging 11 goals and eight assists in 42 games (Transfermarkt).
The central midfielder possesses exceptional technique, is a magnificent passer of the football and has a very impressive engine.
The 27-year-old is truly incredible from dead-ball situations as well. His free-kick and corner taking technique has been described as ‘unreal’ (Give Me Sport).
Considering how much emphasis David Moyes places on set-pieces, it’s easy to see why the Scot might want to sign him.
Paul Merson makes a good point about James Ward-Prowse though. If he’s happy to stay at Southampton, does he have the ambition needed to succeed at a club like West Ham? Perhaps not.
And Ward-Prowse’s £70 million price tag makes it all a moot point anyway.
READ other West Ham news:
Great news for West Ham as Moyes allegedly can sign rapid 24-year-old striker for £11m
Report: ‘Phenomenal’ attacker makes it clear he wants to join West Ham
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
