Newcastle United reportedly want to sign James Ward-Prowse this summer.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who state the Magpies are interested in the Saints skipper. They add that he is also on Tottenham’s radar.
This is a rumour that some Toon fans will find hugely exciting. This is the type of player many supporters want to see at St James’ Park following the takeover.
Blockbuster names have been linked, but it’s the sensible rumours that will provide the most intrigue.
Newcastle were sensible in January, particularly with their first signing when Kieran Trippier arrived.
And a move for Ward-Prowse would be equally as sensible, and just as exciting. However, there’s a problem…
Newcastle may struggled to sign James Ward-Prowse
The Daily Mail add that Southampton do not want to sell the 27-year-old. They reportedly won’t entertain any offers. Plain and simple, he’s not for sale.
Then again, the same has been said before about many players who have eventually moved clubs. Andy Carroll wasn’t for sale in 2011, then the next thing you know he’s being whisked away on Mike Ashley’s helicopter…
Southampton’s JWP stance is no surprise. It would be a real shock if they were receptive to selling their captain.
While they won’t entertain any offers, that won’t stop teams making an approach. And Newcastle certainly have the finances to make Southampton reassess their decision.
Ward-Prowse would be a magnificent signing for the Toon, and he’s already been tipped for a move to St James’ Park.
Darren Bent recently claimed on TalkSPORT that the England midfielder is the type of player Newcastle should target.
He’s a free-kick expert, and Bent even claimed he’s ‘levels’ ahead of our current set piece extraordinaire Trippier.
“(He’s a) specialist,” Bent said.
“What he can do with a dead ball – top player. There’s levels. Trippier is brilliant but Ward-Prowse, you’re talking about second behind Beckham.”
Ward-Prowse is currently gunning for the record of the most free kicks scored in the Premier League. He’s currently four behind the legendary David Beckham.
He could achieve that record at Newcastle…if he’s able to wrestle the ball from ‘over the wall’ Trippier.
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