Fabrizio Romano: West Ham are 'tracking' a second 'phenomenal' player after Aguerd

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now dropped a West Ham United transfer claim involving Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

Back in January, the Spanish media reported that Premier League clubs Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham were all interested in signing the Saints midfielder in the summer.

More recently, the Daily Mail have claimed that Fabio Paratici is interested in a deal to sign the 27-year-old for Spurs, whilst ExWHUemployee has claimed that West Ham are now expected to make an offer for the England international.

Romano has now shared his own update on Ward-Prowse’s transfer interest, amongst a number of rumours suggesting various potential destinations.

Taking to an interview on YouTube with Chris Cowlin, Romano claimed (via a transcript on Twitter):

“No update on him (joining Spurs). West Ham are tracking him though.”

The Hammers are widely expected to wrap up a deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd in the coming days, so perhaps Ward-Prowse could be their second major target this summer.

The Saints skipper’s set-piece abilities have always been lavished with high praise, and his numerous fantastic free-kicks this season have now pushed him towards David Beckham’s Premier League record.

With 11 goals in all competitions, the midfielder was Southampton’s top scorer for the 2021/22 campaign, earning plaudits from football analyst Statman Dave as having had a ‘memorable season’.

However, according to former teammate Charlie Austin, it is “the nuts and bolts of his game: running hard, winning the ball back, and leading his team, [which] are phenomenal”.

Austin’s comments suggest Ward-Prowse could be a great acquisition for many top-half sides, including the likes of West Ham, who could