After Newcastle, another PL side have now decided against signing £40m midfielder

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At the start of the summer, Newcastle United were one of a number of Premier League clubs who were interested in signing James Ward-Prowse.

Now the new season is just over a week away, and Ward-Prowse is facing up to the reality of beginning the 2023/24 campaign as a Championship player with Southampton.

The 28-year-old looked like one of the Saints’ most saleable assets following relegation, with the captain seemingly destined to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

He was linked with a move to Newcastle, with Eddie Howe a big fan of the England international.

However, the Magpies’ interest came to an end as soon as they discovered that Southampton wanted more than £50million.

With Newcastle only wanting a bargain deal for Ward-Prowse, that opened the door for West Ham to swoop in and snap up the Declan Rice replacement they need.

The Hammers have been confident about signing JWP, but, in a dramatic turn of events, a move to the London Stadium is now off the table.

West Ham decide against signing James Ward-Prowse from Southampton

On Tuesday night, it looked like West Ham were closing in on making Ward-Prowse their first signing of the summer.

By Wednesday, the deal was off.

According to Sky Sports, the Hammers have made a £30million ‘take it or leave it’ offer for the midfielder. However, it was rejected by Southampton, who want around £40million.

That has forced David Moyes’ side to walk away, and they are now looking at other targets.

While missing out on Ward-Prowse was not a major blow for Newcastle, he would at least have been a decent addition to Howe’s squad – for the right price.

For West Ham, however, it is a big blow. They are still without any new signings, and are in fact weaker than they were last season.

But, just like Newcastle, they have decided to end their interest in Ward-Prowse, because the fees involved are simply too much.

Newcastle responded to that disappointment by getting Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, and West Ham fans would love it if their club could do something similar.

As for Southampton, they are facing up to the reality of keeping Ward-Prowse at St Mary’s, despite all signs initially pointing towards an exit.