West Ham United appear no closer to securing the signature of a new central midfielder.

The Hammers are desperate to add to their squad after losing talisman Declan Rice.

However, The Express states that Southampton have rejected a third bid from West Ham for captain James Ward-Prowse.

The occasional England international is the prime target for manager David Moyes for that position.

But a new £30 million proposal is still not appealing enough for the Saints to consider selling.

They are determined to secure a higher fee for the veteran, as he is their most influential player.