Southampton have warned two rivals off signing club captain James Ward-Prowse who is attracting interest from Tottenham and Newcastle, per a report.
Ward-Prowse’s impact in the Saints side is clear at the moment. The midfielder is their skipper as well as their top goalscorer this season.
That is in large part due to his role as free-kick and penalty taker. Indeed, he has shown his skillset as a set-piece specialist time after time.
The Saints talisman has the second-most free-kick goals in Premier League history, with 14. Southampton have benefitted hugely from his dead-ball prowess with only David Beckham left to overcome.
During his time at the club, the St Mary’s outfit have finished in both sixth and seventh place. While they have not reached those heights in the past few seasons, Ward-Prowse has continued to perform.
He has notched 10 goals in all competitions this season – the best haul of his career – and bagged nine during the previous campaign.
Clearly, he is as big an asset now as ever for Southampton. As such, it seems they are keen on keeping him around, as The Daily Mail reports that they will tell interested clubs he is not for sale.
Naturally, they are determined to keep hold of their star.
Tottenham and Newcastle have both been linked with moves for the midfielder. He has also been tipped by a pundit as a good fit for Arsenal.
Though it seems it could take a lot for Southampton to let him go.
Saints have Ward-Prowse bargaining chip
The fact Ward-Prowse’s contract runs until 2024 is a bargaining chip for Southampton. It would likely take a sizeable offer from any interested side to prise him away.
Although, Southampton’s stance is not likely to stop the interest.
And Ward-Prowse himself could attempt to force a move out, should he want to.
He has been in and around the England set up of late, and a role at a bigger side could aid his chances at making Gareth Southgate’s squad at the Qatar World Cup.
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