Newcastle transfer news: Eddie Howe looking at James Ward-Prowse

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Newcastle United are reportedly looking to possibly sign James Ward-Prowse this summer.

That is according to the Daily Mail, who state that Eddie Howe is keeping an eye on the Southampton captain ahead of next season.

Ward-Prowse has been linked with a move away from Southampton for a long time, but the rumours will only intensify if the Saints are relegated to the Championship. They are currently rock bottom of the Premier League, four points adrift of safety.

While he is Southampton through and through, it is difficult to see JWP staying at St Mary’s if they drop into the Championship. He is simply too good.

That could create an opportunity for Newcastle, who looked at signing the midfielder last summer.

Newcastle wanted James Ward-Prowse last year

This is not the first time that Newcastle have been linked with signing Ward-Prowse. He was a target for the Magpies during last summer’s transfer window.

It was reported in June 2022 that Newcastle wanted to sign two England international with double-barrelled names: James Ward-Prowse and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

However, neither would arrive on Tyneside. That was likely down to the price tags, with a report claiming that Southampton wanted £75million for their skipper.

They will not be able to command that kind of fee if they are relegated this season, and a move to St James’ Park would create a very interesting dynamic.

Imagine him and Kieran Trippier

Newcastle already have one free kick expert in Kieran Trippier, and he got another assist on Sunday from a dead ball situation. His delivery for Callum Wilson’s header against Manchester United was exceptional.

But while the right-back is brilliant at free kicks, Ward-Prowse is even better. In the eyes of pundit Darren Bent, he is ‘levels‘ above Trippier.

The 28-year-old is on course to become the best free kick taker in Premier League history. He has scored 17 in England’s top flight, which is one less than David Beckham totalled.

With time on his side, Ward-Prowse will certainly beat that tally. But who will it be for? He is reportedly a target for Eddie Howe, who could have two set piece extraordinaires in his squad next season.