By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

2nd Aug, 2023 | 7:00pm

Pete O'Rourke column: West Ham ready £45m+ double deal, Everton line up two strikers, Nottingham Forest could accept Brennan Johnson offer

Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.

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WEST HAM

My understanding is that Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse remains a priority target for the Irons despite reports of them walking away from a deal.

He is the top midfield target for David Moyes, and sources say the chance to return to the Premier League is enticing for the England international in a tournament year.

I’m told there is confidence from West Ham’s side that they will get a deal over the line for the 28-year-old in the final month of the window.

I’m told the Londoners value Ward-Prowse at £25million and are not willing to pay Southampton’s valuation of £40million – and are hopeful of that asking price coming down as the window dwindles.

Meanwhile, West Ham’s interest in Man United defender Harry Maguire is genuine.

Moyes is desperate to add another centre-back and Maguire would fit the bill perfectly if he was able to persuade him about a move.

I’m told the Irons had a first bid of £20million rejected, with Man United set to hold out for a bigger fee as other Premier League sides are interested.

West Ham are considering a second bid but realise it could prove a difficult deal to do with the player seemingly reluctant to give up on his Old Trafford career.

Michail Antonio’s Saudi Pro League move is off – for now – after Al Ettifaq signed Moussa Dembele on a free transfer, I’m told.

West Ham remain open to offers for the 33-year-old and Everton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest could now rekindle the interest they had in the January window.

Sources say an exit for Antonio will only be sanctioned if the Irons manage to sign a new striker – something they are trying to do in the final month of the window.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WEST HAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

SOUTHAMPTON

The Saints are in the market for a new striker this summer as they fear losing Che Adams to the Premier League.

Ross Stewart of Sunderland was high on their list of targets, but my understanding is that they have cooled that interest and will instead pursue other options.

The Scotland international has attracted a lot of interest from promoted Luton and a host of Championship sides, but is still out with an injury he sustained earlier this year.

I’m told that may have put off interested sides like Southampton.

Middlesbrough are also admirers and could test Sunderland’s resolve later in the window with Stewart’s future up in the air.

He has under 12 months remaining on his contract and no progress has been made in renewal talks to date.

Sunderland are not willing to lose the former Ross County man for free in 2024.

Meanwhile, fellow Scotland international Adams definitely has admirers in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at St Mary’s Stadium and clubs are hoping to land him for a bargain fee.

I’m told Wolves like him, Bournemouth are admirers and Everton are also keeping tabs on the striker.

Southampton are braced for offers in the final month of the window and will let Adams go if they receive a suitable fee.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE SOUTHAMPTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Forest have been quiet in the transfer market so far but are looking to renew the contracts of several of their most important players – including defender and captain Joe Worrall.

He has just one year remaining on his deal at present.

The centre-back has been at the club since his youth and Forest are ready to tie him down to an improved deal.

I’m told talks are ongoing and there is a willingness from all parties to agree a deal.

Meanwhile, the Dean Henderson saga continues with Forest still unable to do a deal with Man United.

The England international remains their priority in the goalkeeping position but is still recovering from injury, which has meant another hold-up.

Forest are doing their due diligence by searching for alternatives, and Arsenal’s Matt Turner has emerged as a potential option.

However, Arsenal would have to seal a deal for David Raya in order to let Turner leave the club.

Steve Cooper’s side still want Henderson and may have to cave to United’s demands to get him through the door with less than two weeks until the season starts.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NOTTINGHAM FOREST NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

BRENTFORD

The Bees have had two bids rejected for long-term target Brennan Johnson this summer.

He has been a long-term target for Brentford, with the London side keen to bring him to the club prior to Nottingham Forest’s promotion last year.

Thomas Frank’s side are set to push again but it will likely take a huge offer to tempt Forest.

I’m told the Midlands giants will only consider bids well in excess of £40million with a favourable payment structure.

Steve Cooper’s side want to keep hold of the Wales international, who is considered a key player – but could accept a huge fee to reinvest if a suitable bid arrives.

Meanwhile, if Brentford are going to sell David Raya this summer they will have to reduce their £40million price tag.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich are interested in the Spain international but refuse to pay anywhere near that valuation with one year remaining on his contract

The feeling is that Brentford are risking letting Raya leave on a pre-contract basis next January – and will have to reduce their demands later this month.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE BRENTFORD NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS