Sources: Tottenham plot move to sign ‘phenomenal’ Southampton star James Ward-Prowse
Tottenham are monitoring the situation of Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse ahead of a potential summer move, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that the Saints will find it difficult to keep hold of the 28-year-old if they suffer relegation to the Championship this season.
Football Insider revealed last month (19 February) that long-term admirers Aston Villa remain keen on signing Ward-Prowse and are keeping tabs on his situation at Southampton.
The England international became the Saints’ all-time Premier League record appearance maker (330) after starting in the 1-0 win over Leicester on Saturday (4 March).
Ward-Prowse, who was praised as “phenomenal” by former teammate Charlie Austin last summer (2022), has more than three years left to run on his contract at St Mary’s Stadium.
The 28-year-old earns a reported wage of £100,000-a-week on the south coast.
He has played every minute in the Premier League so far this term, notching six goals and two assists.
The midfielder has scored 17 top-flight free-kicks and now trails David Beckham’s all-time record by just one goal.
Ward-Prowse is Southampton’s captain and has racked up 52 goals and 51 assists in almost 400 games since graduating from the club’s academy.
Tottenham have been left hamstrung by recent injuries to midfielders Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Bentancur suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last month and has undergone surgery – with his return not expected until November.
Spurs sit fourth in the Premier League and must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Milan in order to progress from the last-16 of the Champions League.
Antonio Conte’s side face stiff competition from Newcastle and Liverpool to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition this term.
In other news, Football Insider updates with summer Tottenham move “99% done”.