Newcastle United will reportedly not make a move for James Ward-Prowse until they discover Southampton’s Premier League fate.
Ward-Prowse and Southampton are staring relegation in the race, and their survival bid took another hit on Sunday when they lost 3-1 to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
It was a tough afternoon for the Saints, who were unable to hold on after Stuart Armstrong put them in front. They ended the day with another defeat, leaving them bottom of the table. Southampton are now six points adrift of safety with four games to go.
Relegation looks all but certain, and that could signal the end of Newcastle target Ward-Prowse‘s time at St Mary’s.
Newcastle wait for Southampton decision on James Ward-Prowse
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle and Tottenham are both delaying any bids for Ward-Prowse until Southampton inform them how much they want for the 28-year-old. And it does not look like they will be doing that until their future is resolved.
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That is a fair stance from the Saints – they have got bigger fish to fry than dealing with their captain possibly leaving. Their only goal at the moment is to stay in the Premier League.
But that is looking increasingly unlikely. It has been suggested that Ward-Prowse will be allowed to leave if they are relegated, and could command a fee of around £50million.
Based on Sunday’s performance, he is not worth that much.
Tottenham watch him struggle at St James’ Park
The report adds that Tottenham scouts were at St James’ park on Sunday, casting their eye over Ward-Prowse. However, they surely won’t have been too impressed.
The England international was fairly anonymous at times, despite a few Southampton players impressing in defeat. Kamaldeen Sulemana was lively, while Romeo Lavia was absolutely exceptional.
Ward-Prowse has been described as ‘underrated‘ in the past, but the midfielder did not offer much on his most recent visit to Tyneside. He failed to show why he deserves to be in this Newcastle midfield ahead of the trio he was up against at the weekend.
Obviously it is only one game, but Newcastle will be wary of making a move for JWP if the price is too high. Like most deals, it will come down to money.