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Transfer rumours: James Ward-Prowse to West Ham United, Willian to Nottingham Forest, Brennan Johnson to Aston Villa

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 14 July 2023

Transfer rumours: Ward-Prowse to West Ham, Willian to Forest, Johnson to Villa

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours, including James Ward-Prowse to West Ham United, Willian to Nottingham Forest and Brennan Johnson to Aston Villa.

West Ham United are reportedly preparing a £25m bid for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

The Hammers will have money to spend on a new midfielder this summer, with Declan Rice on the verge of making the move to Arsenal in a £105m switch.

According to the Daily Mail, David Moyes's side are lining up a £25m offer for Ward-Prowse, who is expected to leave Southampton following their relegation to the Championship.

The report claims that Southampton had initially valued the 28-year-old at £40m, but the Saints are unlikely to be able to ask for that price following their relegation to the second tier.

The midfielder, who has another three years left to run on his contract at St Mary's, was in strong form for Southampton last season despite the team's struggles, scoring 11 goals and registering five assists in 45 appearances in all competitions.

Fulham's Willian in action with Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

Meanwhile, according to Sky Sports News, Nottingham Forest are in advanced discussions with experienced attacker Willian over a move to the club.

The 34-year-old's contract with Fulham expired at the end of last month; the Cottagers are keen to keep hold of him and have allegedly offered a one-year deal.

However, Willian is said to be looking for a longer-term agreement, with Forest boss Steve Cooper said to have met with the forward to discuss a move to the City Ground.

The report claims that the Reds are now in advanced talks with the forward over a switch to Forest.

Willian made the move to Fulham last September, and he was an important player for Marco Silva's side last season, scoring five goals and registering six assists in 30 appearances.

Brennan Johnson celebrates scoring for Nottingham Forest against Leicester City on January 14, 2023 © Reuters

Staying with Forest, Aston Villa are reportedly keen to sign Brennan Johnson from the Reds during this summer's transfer window.

The 22-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with a number of clubs, including Brentford, said to be keen on his services.

According to the Daily Mail, Villa are exploring a deal for Johnson, who is believed to be valued at £40m.

The forward was in impressive form at club level during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering three assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after winning the Champions League on June 10, 2023 © Reuters

Meanwhile, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are close to securing a deal for Manchester United teenager Harrison Parker.

The 16-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best young talents at Man United, and he has allegedly been offered a generous deal to stay with the Red Devils.

However, Romano claims that the Citizens are now nearing a deal for the centre-back, beating four other clubs to his signature this summer.

Parker, who was largely involved for Man United's Under-16s last season, made the move to the Red Devils from Arsenal in the summer of 2021, but his time with the club is now seemingly coming to an end.