West Ham lining up second bid for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse

West Ham are preparing to make a second bid for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

The midfielder has been speculated with a summer move away from the Saints following their relegation to the Championship.

Ward-Prowse has proven to be a heavy reliable asset in midfield for Southampton since his debut in 2011.

Even though he wasn't able to help keep them up last season, he could be offered a route back to the Premier League.

West Ham have recently bid farewell to star man Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal for £105million.

They therefore have a huge hole to fill in their midfield, with Ward-Prowse being identified as a potential replacement.

However, their initial offer of £20million falls way below Southampton's valuation of the 28-year-old.

The Saints value the 11-time England international at £40million, a fee that would be their third highest for a departure should it be paid.

West Ham are the only Premier League club who are yet to make a senior signing this summer, with the new season just two weeks away.

Should he complete a move, Ward-Prowse would leave Southampton after making 409 appearances for them across 12 seasons.

He was recently left out of their squad for a pre-season friendly against Bournemouth due to a knee injury.

However, it was a precautionary measure to keep him out of the side in their 3-2 defeat and he should be fit to face AZ Alkmaar on Saturday.

Southampton are likely to face a battle to keep him this summer as they prepare for life back in the Championship.