James Ward-Prowse: Tottenham boost as Southampton give permission for move – sources
Tottenham have been handed a big boost in their pursuit of James Ward-Prowse this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Southampton have given Ward-Prowse the green light to move on from St Mary’s at the end of the season if they are relegated from the Premier League.
The 28-year-old’s current contract runs until 2026 after he signed an extension in 2021 but he has been told he will be allowed to leave this summer if they lose their top-flight status.
Last month (6 March), Football Insider revealed that Tottenham are monitoring the midfielder’s situation ahead of a potential move in the upcoming window.
The Saints remain bottom of the Premier League table with just 23 points from 31 games and are four points behind 17th place Everton.
They have lost four of their last five games and still have to face league leaders Arsenal as well as high fliers Newcastle United and Brighton before the end of the season as the threat of relegation edges closer.
Ward-Prowse joined the Saints academy back in 2010 and has made 402 appearances for the south coast club since moving up from the under-18s team back in 2012.
In those outings he has scored 53 goals and provided 51 assists.
This season, the midfielder has started every Premier League game for the Saints and has scored seven goals and provided two assists in those outings.
In other news, Tottenham want defender deal finalised soon after talks open.