West Ham United are likely to be frustrated in their efforts to tempt Southampton into selling James Ward-Prowse despite there being 'definite interest' coming from the London Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Hammers have already reinforced their rearguard by signing Nayef Aguerd in a deal worth as much as £30million, but it appears boss David Moyes has set his sights on acquiring Ward-Prowse as he bids to strengthen his midfield options.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving Ward-Prowse?
It is understood that Moyes is a big fan of Ward-Prowse and, as a result, he has worked his way onto West Ham's radar.
The Hammers are mulling over whether to test Southampton's resolve as they look to bolster their midfield with stars who boast Premier League experience.
However, Saints hold the upper-hand in negotiations as Ward-Prowse only penned a new long-term contract last August, meaning his current employers are not necessarily in a serious rush to cash-in.
With that in mind - along with additional interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur - Southampton have slapped a £75million price tag on their 27-year-old captain, whose current deal is worth £100,000-per-week.
Agreeing to part with that sum would result in Ward-Prowse comfortably becoming the most expensive acquisition in West Ham's history.
What has Dean Jones said about Ward-Prowse?
Jones understands that West Ham are keen on welcoming Ward-Prowse to east London ahead of the new season.
However, the transfer insider has doubts over whether the Hammers will succeed in their bid to strike a deal with Southampton.
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Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "There is definite interest in James Ward-Prowse, but it's not particularly likely.
"Saints just don't want to let this guy go and, when that's the case, you've got to pay over the odds to get them out of that club. You don't normally see West Ham actually doing that. You hear of them entertaining the idea and you hear of them chasing these players, but then they suddenly look elsewhere and sign somebody else for a third of the price.
"There's no doubt that they like James Ward-Prowse, but I'm not sure that, at this moment in time, they see it as a signing that they're getting excited about."
Why is Ward-Prowse of interest to West Ham?
Ward-Prowse has been described as 'phenomenal' by former Southampton team-mate Charlie Austin, so it is clear that he has caught the eye with his performances.
The 11-cap England international has just enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career, with him finding the back of the net 11 times, and he has proven to be deadly from free-kicks.
He would also be a more prolific option than current West Ham central midfield duo Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, with FBref statistics showing he averaged more goals, shots and efforts on target than the pair every 90 minutes last season.