- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Southampton are prepared to bring back a fan favourite on loan to St Mary’s this summer.
Russell Martin’s Southampton have been busy this summer with the South Coast club achieving promotion to the Premier League after winning the play-off final against Leeds United at Wembley Stadium.
Southampton have signed some top-quality players including West Ham United’s Flynn Downes, defender Taylor Harwood Bellis and prolific striker Ben Brereton Diaz.
Time is running out for Southampton to make any further additions and HITC understands that former Saints midfielder James Ward-Prowse is wanted back at St Mary’s Stadium before the transfer window slams shut.
Southampton hoping to bring in James Ward-Prowse on loan
Sources have told HITC that Southampton boss Martin wants to bring Ward-Prowse back to the club in a pre-deadline day move.
HITC can reveal that one of the main reasons that Southampton agreed to make Aaron Ramsdale’s impending move to the club permanent was to keep a loan option open to them.
Southampton have already brought in one loan option this summer with the addition of Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu, meaning they can only have one more domestic loan and they want to sign Ward-Prowse.
Ward-Prowse has three years left on his current deal at the London Stadium but doing a permanent deal is well beyond Southampton’s means at this moment in time, but a loan with an option to buy has been discussed with West Ham United.
West Ham have signed Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez, so Ward-Prowse’s game time could well be affected.
West Ham’s stance on Ward-Prowse explained
HITC understands that West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has told Ward-Prowse that he is free to leave the club and the club are keen for the Englishman to move on.
The departure, even if on loan, of Ward-Prowse would free up a squad spot for West Ham and HITC understands that the Hammers are keen on Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler this summer. Everton have also been linked to the Spanish midfielder this summer.
Southampton hope to bring in Ward-Prowse, whilst also adding another striker with Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto their main target and HITC understands that talks are ongoing over the Brazilian’s potential arrival at St Mary’s.
As for Ward-Prowse, the Englishman is a Southampton legend and his return would certainly be a popular one. In his 410 appearances for the Saints, the Englishman scored 55 times and provided 52 assists.
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