Report: Tottenham target made highest paid player in club’s history after PL rival’s £25m bid

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Southampton have made James Ward-Prowse the highest earner in the club’s history after interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to The Athletic.

The Saints moved to lock Ward-Prowse down with a new, five-year deal last week to ward off any would-be suitors. This summer was the first time that the midfielder has been a serious candidate for a move away from the club, which the 26-year-old joined aged eight.

Aston Villa made a £25m bid for Ward-Prowse earlier in the window, but the Southampton board refused to entertain negotiations. Instead, they awarded the England international a £100,000-per-week deal, taking him above Theo Walcott and Fraser Forster in their payroll.

Ward-Prowse’s new contract is the most lucrative terms Southampton have ever given to a player in their history. The Saints had offered to make Danny Ings’ their all-time best-paid player, but he rejected the offer and eventually joined Aston Villa for £25m on August 4.

Southampton’s actions should now end any speculation over Ward-Prowse’s future on the south coast, amid interest from Tottenham. The Telegraph reported earlier this month that Spurs and Aston Villa – for a second time – were preparing to make offers.

Tottenham would now face an astronomical asking price if they were to still try to prise Ward-Prowse away from Southampton. His contract does not feature a release clause, and was offered to eliminate the likelihood of him leaving this summer.

Should Tottenham still pursue a deal with Southampton for Ward-Prowse?

Ward-Prowse would have been a top addition for Nuno Espirito Santo’s midfield if Tottenham had struck a deal with Southampton. But the Saints’ decision to make him the highest earner in the club’s history will likely end Fabio Paratici’s pursuit.

Southampton can demand far in excess of the £25m offer that Aston Villa failed to open further negotiations with. Ward-Prowse is also happy on the south coast, having known putting pen to paper would likely have been the final act to end any chances of a transfer.

Nuno will have to hope Dele Alli maintains his impressive start to life in a central midfield role, instead. The naturally attacking maestro has performed well with protection from Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg so far this season. But the role is still new for him.