Sources: Newcastle United well placed to sign Southampton star James Ward-Prowse with fire sale on the cards
Newcastle United are ready to battle Premier League rivals for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
This site revealed on Monday (6 March) that Tottenham are monitoring the 28-year-old's situation, while Aston Villa are also long-term admirers.
It is believed that Southampton will find it difficult to keep hold of Ward-Prowse if they suffer relegation to the Championship this season.
The England international could leave St Mary's Stadium as part of a fire sale if the Saints' 11-year spell in the top flight comes to an end this season.
Che Adams, Mohammed Salisu and Romeo Lavia are also the subject of interest from Premier League clubs as the summer window approaches.
Ward-Prowse became the Saints’ all-time Premier League record appearance maker (330) after starting in the 1-0 win over Leicester on Saturday (4 March).
He has played every minute in the Premier League so far this term, notching six goals and two assists.
The set-piece specialist earns a reported wage of £100,000-a-week at Southampton - where his contract runs until June 2026.
Newcastle are ramping up plans for another bumper transfer window as they look to break into England's elite in the coming seasons.
The Magpies are also looking to tie star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes down to a new long-term contract - and have opened talks over a £100,000-a-week+ deal.
Football Insider revealed on 13 February that Newcastle have set aside huge funds to sign a box-office partner for Guimaraes this summer.
Eddie Howe's side sit sixth in the Premier League with 14 games remaining of the 2022-23 season.