The Declan Rice saga could lead to a double transfer blow for Newcastle United this summer.
The West Ham midfielder is expected to leave the London Stadium at the end of the season, and is reportedly a target for the Magpies.
However, a deal for Rice is likely going to be outside of Newcastle’s price range, which is why Toon officials are not hopeful about bringing the 24-year-old to St James’ Park.
Newcastle are instead looking at alternative midfield targets. It has been claimed that Scott McTominay is next on the Magpies’ list, while James Ward-Prowse is also reportedly of interest.
However, a move to the capital could be on the horizon for the latter if, or when, Rice leaves West Ham.
West Ham plan move for Ward-Prowse
According to the Evening Standard, the Hammers are going to bid for the Southampton captain as they view the 28-year-old as a possible Rice replacement.
The report states that David Moyes is a big fan of Ward-Prowse, who is expected to leave St Mary’s following the Saints’ relegation to the Championship.
Ward-Prowse, who earns £100,000-a-week at Southampton, has refused to rule out a move away this summer, and a departure from his boyhood club appears to be inevitable.
Hammers move makes more sense than Newcastle switch for JWP
He would be a decent addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, but a transfer to West Ham feels much more likely. They will be more in need of a midfielder if Rice goes, and Ward-Prowse could move there safe in the knowledge that he would be a guaranteed starter. He could also fill the leadership void that Rice will leave behind.
In contrast, a switch Newcastle would likely see him become a squad player – or he would at least have a major fight on his hands to become a guaranteed starter on Tyneside.
Ward-Prowse is reportedly on Howe’s radar, but a switch to St James’ Park does not feel probable – especially with West Ham’s intentions becoming known.
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