Newcastle United are interested in James Ward-Prowse as they consider raiding relegation-threatened Southampton this summer.
The Magpies will almost certainly be in the market for a new midfielder or two as they look to move forward under Eddie Howe.
Going for a pure holding midfielder would make total sense, as would going for a playmaker like James Maddison.
Yet the latest rumour doesn’t really fit those moulds as the Daily Mail report that Howe wants to sign Southampton star Ward-Prowse.
It’s stated that Howe also fancies Manchester United’s Scott McTominay but Ward-Prowse appears to be a prime target.
The 28-year-old will surely be leaving if Southampton don’t stay in the Premier League.
Even if Southampton stay up, the Saints captain may be minded to move on and try to make a step forward in his career.
A tireless worker with real quality on the ball, Ward-Prowse would walk into a number of Premier League sides.
Newcastle could have the best set piece takers in the Premier League if James Ward-Prowse joins
Howe seems to love adding proven Premier League players to his Newcastle squad and Ward-Prowse would certainly fit that bill.
Now with nearly 350 Premier League appearances to his name, Ward-Prowse is about as battle-tested as they come in the top flight.
The main appeal with Ward-Prowse is his set piece ability.
The Southampton star is a threat to score with pretty much any free kick at this point, and he has rifled a fair few past many Premier League goalkeepers.
Newcastle moving for Ward-Prowse would see him team up with Kieran Trippier – another top set piece taker.
Newcastle are already dangerous enough from dead balls but adding Ward-Prowse into the mix would be something else.
Praised as ‘unbelievable’ by Oriol Romeu, Ward-Prowse will have many suitors this summer and it looks like Newcastle will be one of them.
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