Newcastle United have joined the race for the signature of 28-year-old Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
According to a report by Football Insider, Newcastle United are interested in signing James Ward-Prowse. The 28-year-old is amongst the best midfielders in the league and a lot of clubs have their eyes on him.
Ward-Prowse has been a part of the Saints youth academy right from the start of his career. He has gone through the ranks at the club and was promoted to the first team back in the summer of 2012. The 28-year-old has gone from strength to strength at the club. And, has managed to establish himself as one of their most important players.
He has been a consistent performer for Southampton since making his debut back in the day. Ward-Prowse has made over 350 appearances for the Saints and has 104 goal involvements to his name.
The England international is the second-best free-kick taker in Premier League history. He has found the back of the net with a free kick on 17 occasions. Only David Beckham has more free-kick goals (18) in the English top flight.
Southampton are currently bottom of the Premier League. And, it is going to be a very difficult task for them to avoid relegation. If they fail to survive, the Saints might lose out on one of their most important assets in Ward-Prowse.
The 28-year-old’s contract at the club runs until the summer of 2026. However, if they are relegated, the England international will move on to another club and the Saints will not stand in his way because of the loyalty Ward-Prowse has shown over the years.
With the England international likely to leave, a lot of Premier League clubs are ready to make a move. And, Newcastle United have just entered the race for his services.
Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with a move for the midfielder as well. Liverpool have been quite underwhelming in the midfield this season and the Reds will have to bring in the necessary reinforcement heading into the new season. On the other hand, Manchester United need to upgrade on players like Scott McTominay if they want to challenge for the title next season.
Ward-Prowse would be a quality addition for both clubs, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle can fend off the competition and secure his services.
The Magpies are looking to bolster their squad ahead of next season. Eddie Howe wants to sign quite a few players in the summer to take his team to the next level. And, Ward-Prowse’s arrival will surely strengthen their squad. He will add composure to their midfield and will give them an edge on free kicks.
If Southampton fail to avoid relegation, they might sell the 28-year-old for a fee close to £40 million. And, the fact that Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and Ward-Prowse share the same agent can also help their cause.
However, it won’t be that easy a task for the Magpies to sign the England international as a lot of clubs are interested in him. And, the fact that his departure from the Saints solely depends on whether they get relegated or not.
