West Ham United have reportedly ended their interest in Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
The Europa Conference League winners have been on the lookout for midfield reinforcements ever since they agreed to sell Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m last month.
A host of midfielders have since been linked with a summer switch to the London Stadium, including Ward-Prowse who is expected to leave boyhood club Southampton following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
Ward-Prowse has spent his entire career with the Saints and has earned legendary status at St Mary's having contributing with 54 goals and 52 assists in 407 appearances across all competitions since his debut back in 2011.
The England international has also attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Aston Villa during the summer transfer window, with the dead-ball specialist said to keen to move to a Premier League club.
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West Ham allegedly had two bids rejected by Southampton for the 28-year-old earlier this summer, including their most recent offer of around £20m plus £5m in add-ons.
There had been suggestions that the Hammers were making positive progress in negotiations with the Saints and they were made aware of Ward-Prowse's desire to move to East London.
However, according to Sky Sports News, West Ham have now decided to walk away from a deal to sign the midfielder as they as unwilling to meet Southampton's asking price.
It is thought that the Saints were holding out for at least £30m, but the Hammers have decided to move on to other midfield targets.
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West Ham have been frustrated in their pursuit of new signings and they are the only Premier League club who are yet to make a single addition this summer, with new technical director Tim Steidten under pressure to help bolster David Moyes's squad.
The Hammers are understood to have seen a £45m bid for Joao Palhinha rejected by Fulham and a £40m offer for Conor Gallagher turned down by Chelsea, and it remains to be seen if they will return with improved offers.
Talks have also taken place with Ajax's Edson Alvarez and Manchester United's Scott McTominay, but there is believed to be a gap in valuation for both players.
Meanwhile, West Ham are set to miss out on the signing of Manchester City attacker Carlos Borges, as Ajax have reportedly hijacked their deal, with the teenager now set to undergo a medical in Amsterdam ahead of completing a £17.2m transfer.
Oliver Thomas
