Are West Ham eyeing three midfielder signings after new twist to agreed deal?

After threatening to walk away from the move when their bid of £30m was rejected by Southampton, it was claimed West Ham’s move for Ward-Prowse was not dead.

And so it has proved.

According to Sky Sports West Ham have ‘reached a broad agreement’ with Southampton over the signing of the world class dead ball specialist Ward-Prowse.

“The deal is worth the £30m that was rejected last month but with more favourable payment terms and conditions for Southampton,” Sky Sports states.

Are West Ham eyeing three midfielder signings after new twist to agreed deal with Saints for James Ward-Prowse?

“Talks are ongoing over when the deal can be finalised as it’s believed Saints want him to play against Norwich this weekend. West Ham don’t want him risked ahead of such a big-money move and one source has told Sky Sports News that Ward-Prowse is keen to make the move as soon as possible but would like the chance to say goodbye to the Southampton fans.”

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The report states that personal terms are not expected to be a problem.

When Declan Rice was sold both David Moyes and Hammers co-owner David Sullivan publicly declared they wanted to sign two midfielders to replace him.

West Ham are on the verge of unveiling Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez. And Sky Sports are claiming Ward-Prowse will be on the way next.

But are West Ham eyeing three midfielder signings after new twist to agreed deal with Saints for Ward-Prowse?

‘The expectation is he will leave West Ham’

Because what Sky Sports do not mention in the update is that West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes could move to Saints on loan as part of the Ward-Prowse deal.

That was rumoured to be a possibility during early talks between West Ham and Southampton. But it was dismissed with some reports stating Saints did not want Downes.

Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg claimed at the weekend that fan favourite and boyhood Hammers supporter Downes could still depart for the south coast club as part of a deal.

And he has doubled down on that claim again now the Ward-Prowse agreement is in place.

“Expectation is that Flynn Downes will leave West Ham and join Southampton on loan,” Steinberg said.

“Previous suggestion was Downes would be linked to the JWP deal.”

West Ham were supposed to be beefing up their midfield this summer.

But having sold Rice they also released Manuel Lanzini. And now Downes looks to be leaving too.

So even if Ward-Prowse does join Alvarez at the London Stadium, could the Hammers be eyeing a THIRD midfield signing as links persist to the likes of Scott McTominay and Youssouf Fofana.

Assuming Alvarez and Ward-Prowse arrive, Moyes’ central midfield options will be the two new arrivals, Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta should Downes also depart. And now even Paqueta is being linked with a move away.

Pablo Fornals may be used in a central role this season. But even if he is, West Ham will surely need another midfield arrival in addition to Alvarez and Ward-Prowse.

Watch this space.

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