West Ham make progress in bid to sign special midfielder with £45m deal expected to happen ‘very quickly’

West Ham are reportedly very close to getting a deal over the line for a former Premier League midfielder who could cost them around £45million.

The Hammers are said to have opened talks with Southampton over a deal for- james  Ward Prowse at the end of last week, with the England man looking for an immediate return to the Premier League after Saints’ relegation last term.

And while West Ham are not the only club keen on his signature, it’s understood they are in pole position to land the 28-year-old for a fee in the region of £45million.

Football Insider revealed that an official approach was expected from the Hammers last month but that their initial bid of £35m did not come until last week.

However, talks have been ongoing and personal terms are not expected to an issue once an agreement is struck. Indeed, Football Insider adds that the transfer should be finalised ‘very quickly’ once everything is agreed.

The England international played every Premier League game in the 2022-23 campaign and has racked up 343 total top-flight appearances since making his debut in 2012.

He has notched 55 goals and 53 assists in 409 total appearances since coming through the club’s academy.

However, Ward-Prowse is not the only target for the London Stadium side though as they continue to be linked with Chelsea star Conor Gallagher and Manchester United’s Scott McTominay.

As for Southampton, they could be on the brink of losing several players over the next few weeks.

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in midfielder Romeo Lavia after skipper Jordan Henderson confirmed, while Fulham are known to be chasing centre-back Mohammed Salisu.