Sources: Man United turn attention to James Ward-Prowse, Ten Hag ‘hell bent’ on deal
Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse is a summer target for Man United, sources have told Football Insider.
Sources with knowledge of the Red Devils’ situation have revealed that manager Erik ten Hag is “hell-bent” on bolstering his side’s midfield options in the transfer window.
Football Insider revealed last month (6 March) that Tottenham are monitoring Ward-Prowse’s situation ahead of a potential summer move.
Aston Villa and Newcastle are also interested – and It is believed Southampton will find it difficult to keep hold of the 28-year-old if they suffer relegation to the Championship this season.
The Saints’ defeat against West Ham on Sunday (2 April) leaves them four points from safety with nine games to play in the 2022-23 season.
Ward-Prowse‘s form has been a bright spot in a dismal season for the south coast club, with the England international notching nine goals and three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
He managed 11 goals and eight assists in 42 appearances in the 2021-22 season – his best-ever return since making his first-team debut in 2011.
The midfielder’s set-piece prowess is one of the best aspects of his game, and Ward-Prowse is now just one free-kick goal short of David Beckham’s all-time Premier League record.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (1 April) that Man United are planning an eight-man clearout this summer – with midfielders Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay expected to depart.
January signing Marcel Sabitzer will also return to parent club Bayern Munich at the end of the season, and it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will pursue a permanent deal.
Man United can strengthen their case for Champions League qualification with a win over Brentford on Wednesday (5 April).
In other news, Kieran Maguire reveals Man United are well placed to land £50m windfall.