Man United tipped to win £75m James Ward-Prowse bidding war – expert
Noel Whelan has urged Man United to seal an upgrade on Paul Pogba by signing “perfect” Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Red Devils are in “desperate need” of a player with the 27-year-old’s work ethic.
According to The Sun (1 May), Ward-Prowse is the man Erik ten Hag wants to boss his new-look Man United midfield – with Man City’s Pep Guardiola also a big fan of the England international.
The report claims the Southampton man, who is contracted until 2026, could cost the rivals around £75million.
Ward-Prowse has notched 10 goals and eight assists in 39 games across all competitions this term – his best-ever return.
Whelan suggested the midfielder would compliment Man United star Bruno Fernandes “perfectly”.
“I think they’re desperately in need of a player like him in midfield,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s got the creativity they need but he’s also got a really strong work ethic. He’s not just a goalscorer and a creative player – he puts his foot in when he needs to. He’s aggressive and he works very hard.
“I think he would compliment Fernandes perfectly. I think they need that sort of character after having someone like Paul Pogba who has the tendency to drift through games.
“Ward-Prowse will work tirelessly for 90 minutes, and I think the front three would benefit no end from having him in that side.”
Ward-Prowse scooped a hattrick of accolades at Southampton’s awards evening last night – including Fans’ Player of the Season.
He has netted twice in 10 caps for England.
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