West Ham United have reportedly been put off by Manchester United's valuation of Scott McTominay.
The Hammers are said to be looking at alternatives to replace Declan Rice after being priced out of a move for the Scotland international.
The 26-year-old played 39 times for Man United last season, and has shown phenomenal form for Scotland in 2023.
Five goals in four Euro 2024 qualifiers have catapulted Scotland to the top of their group, as only Romelu Lukaku and United target Rasmus Hojlund have scored more.
Therefore, The Mirror claims that the Red Devils will not let McTominay leave for less than £40m this summer.
With Mason Mount already through the door and Sofyan Amrabat heavily linked though, McTominay's game time could suffer, and he has said that he wishes to be involved prominently in the first team.
If that is not the case then a departure could be on the cards, but West Ham appear unsure on the current valuation of the player.
Therefore, James Ward-Prowse could be the alternative, with a move away from boyhood club Southampton looking likely following their relegation.
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The Daily Mail claims that the Hammers have tabled a £25m bid, hoping to negotiate a lower fee than the £40m Southampton are looking to recoup for their captain.
Given Southampton's predicament following their drop to the Championship, they may find it tougher to play hardball in negotiations, as clubs are also circling around fellow midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Set-piece specialist Ward-Prowse scored 11 goals in all competitions last season despite the Saints' relegation from the top flight.
West Ham receiving £105m for Rice from Arsenal is likely to add a premium onto any players that they show interest in who will be a direct replacement.
That comes as a bid of £40m for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher was reportedly turned down earlier this week.
Gallagher struggled in his first full season in the Chelsea first team, but David Moyes would hope that he could replicate the form that he showed in a loan spell across the capital at Crystal Palace should they continue their interest.
Andrew Delaney
