West Ham have agreed contracts to sign Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse. Both signings are key targets for David Moyes, who has been looking to strengthen his squad since Declan Rice’s £105m sale to Arsenal.
West Ham have slowly progressed since selling Rice but business has bounced back this week. They are ready to sign Ajax midfielder Edson Álvarez for £32m and are ready to add another midfield addition by signing Ward-Prowse for £30m.
Moyes also wants a centre-back and has persuaded the board to move for Maguire. West Ham have agreed in principle on a £30million transfer fee for Maguire and are said to discuss personal terms with the defender. The 30-year-old has fallen out of favor under Erik ten Hag, who stripped him of his captaincy, and will need to move to defend his place in England.
A potential stumbling block for West Ham is that Maguire, whose contract runs until 2025, has been handed a significant pay raise as a result of United qualifying for the Champions League. West Ham have been looking for a way to ensure they and United can cover any shortfall in Maguire’s salaries.
The deals for Maguire and Ward-Prowse are taken as a sign the club are backing Moyes. There was tension between the Scot and Tim Steidten, West Ham’s new technical director, over the goals. Moyes is pushing for proven Premier League players while Steidten is banking on younger targets in Europe.
Ward-Prowse’s move was teetering on the brink last week as West Ham were unwilling to spend more than £30million on the 28-year-old. Southampton were demanding more for their captain and multiple sources said earlier this week a deal was unlikely.
Still, West Ham resumed their move to Ward-Prowse after a £30m offer for United’s Scott McTominay was rejected. They’re still paying £30m for Ward-Prowse, who wants the move and has agreed personal terms, but payment terms differ. The England midfielder is now due to undergo a medical.
West Ham are also looking for a left winger and are looking to sign Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen on loan with an option to buy. They could sign a striker after selling Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta.
