West Ham United boss David Moyes is 'really interested' in Southampton talisman James Ward-Prowse and is eager to tempt him to the London Stadium, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.
The Hammers have already concluded deals for Nayef Aguerd and Alphonse Areola since the transfer window reopened last month, but Ward-Prowse is firmly on the east Londoners' radar.
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What's the latest news involving Ward-Prowse?
The Sun revealed Ward-Prowse was among West Ham's transfer targets before the 2021/22 season had even been completed.
The report suggests Moyes is a big fan of the 11-cap England international and continental football, following the Hammers' qualification for the Europa Conference League, could strengthen his chances of getting his man.
But it is understood that Southampton have no intention of sanctioning Ward-Prowse's departure despite links to a London Stadium switch.
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City and their arch-rivals Manchester United have also been keeping tabs on the 27-year-old's situation, while Tottenham Hotspur are another club to have been mulling over a move.
Southampton are in a strong negotiating position as Ward-Prowse's £100,000-per-week contract still has four years to run.
What has Paul Brown said about Ward-Prowse?
Brown understands that Moyes is keen to swoop for Ward-Prowse ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
However, the journalist has doubts over whether West Ham will succeed in their pursuit of the £43million-rated Southampton captain.
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Brown told GIVEMESPORT: "James Ward-Prowse is another name that Moyes is really interested in.
"They have ambition there, but it's a question of whether they can pull off the kind of deals that would make a difference."
Why is Ward-Prowse of interest to West Ham?
Ward-Prowse enjoyed his most productive season during 2021/22, with him finding the back of the net 11 times.
That form resulted in the central midfielder averaging more goals per 90 minutes than current West Ham stars Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, while he also boasted an increased number of pressures and blocks.
The Hammers got themselves on the scoresheet 14 times from set pieces last term, but that figure would only increase with Ward-Prowse in the side.
That is because he is widely regarded as one of the finest free-kick takers in the Premier League and only David Beckham has scored more in the competition's history.
Ward-Prowse has made 364 senior appearances for Southampton, with the vast majority of those coming in the top flight, and that experience will be another attraction for West Ham chief Moyes.