Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sat 1 July 2023 9:00, UK

Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse is expected to leave the club this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 28-year-old has returned to pre-season training with the Saints as they prepare to kick off the 2023-24 campaign in the Championship on 4 August.

But a well-placed source has told Football Insider that an exit for the England international remains the most likely outcome.

Ward-Prowse has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs following Southampton’s relegation at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Fulham and Brentford have been credited with an interest in the last week, while Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham have also been mentioned as possible destinations.

The midfielder played every Premier League game in the 2022-23 campaign and has racked up 343 total top-flight appearances since making his debut in 2012.

Ward-Prowse notched 11 goals and five assists across 45 appearances in all competitions last term.

The 11-cap England star has scored 17 career Premier League free-kicks and now trails David Beckham’s all-time record by just one goal.

Russell Martin has taken the helm at St Mary’s Stadium following relegation, replacing Ruben Selles.

Speaking to Southampton’s YouTube channel (28 June), Martin admitted he expects players to leave and claimed even those who start the 2023-24 campaign in a Southampton shirt could exit the club later on in the summer window.

Mislav Orsic, who only joined the club in January, became the first high-profile exit on Friday (30 June) – joining Turkish side Trabzonspor on a permanent basis.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (27 June) that Southampton have placed a £15million price tag on the head of Burnley target Nathan Tella following his successful Turf Moor loan last season.

In other news, Championship giants set for £12m boost as deal agreed.