West Ham transfer news: David Moyes hints at links between James Ward and Prowse as he lays out his summer plan
Delighted Moyes says he will seek to bolster his squad with British and local players this summer but warned West Ham are unlikely to make “big cash outlays” when the window opens next month.
The Hammers made eight signings, three of which came from English football, in a £170million squad overhaul last summer, while Alphonse Areola signed a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain after moving to the London stadium the previous year had been borrowed.
However, the most prominent – and most expensive – signings have come from overseas, with the club’s record-breaking purchase Lucas Paqueta, striker Gianluca Scamacca and Nayef Aguerd signing deals totaling around £110m.
Moyes has suggested last summer’s move contributed greatly to the Hammers’ poor league performance as the trio took some time to settle into east London. Aguerd missed most of the first half of the season with an ankle problem, while Paqueta is only now showing his best form and Scamacca has endured an injury-hit season that was eventually curtailed by knee surgery.
West Ham have been linked with the transfers of England internationals James Ward-Prowse and Harvey Barnes and Moyes confirmed he will be more focused on home this summer.
“I’d say yes, I think I’d like to add a bit more British or local players if we could,” he said.
“I wouldn’t resolve to take one of these if I saw something better or thought there was a better alternative.”
With Mark Noble retiring at the end of last season and Declan Rice set to be sold this summer, Moyes’ desire to replenish the homegrown squad in his dressing room is evident.
The club are hoping to ask a transfer fee in excess of £100m for Rice but last summer’s uproar was only offset by the sale of Issa Diop to Fulham for an initial £12m and Moyes hinted similar spending was unlikely .
“I don’t think we’re spending a lot of money,” he added. “Maybe, but I don’t really think that’s going to be the case this year. Where we can and where we need to strengthen the squad, then we will do that.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-transfer-news-ward-prowse-moyes-b1084026.html West Ham transfer news: David Moyes hints at links between James Ward and Prowse as he lays out his summer plan
