Paul Merson makes James Ward-Prowse prediction after Newcastle links

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Newcastle United have been linked with signing James Ward-Prowse this summer, who could be on the move if Southampton suffer relegation.

That could happen this weekend, with Southampton needing to win and results to go their way to ensure they remain a Premier League club for one more week.

Relegation looks almost certain, which would be absolutely devastating for the Saints. However, it would be good news for Newcastle‘s hopes of signing Ward-Prowse.

Newcastle linked with James Ward-Prowse

Eddie Howe has been linked with trying to sign the 28-year-old midfielder this summer. He was a target last year, and is once again on the club’s radar.

It has been claimed that Newcastle are waiting to find out how much Southampton want for him, but that will not happen until their fate has been sealed.

That could happen as early as Saturday if they fail to beat Fulham, and it has been reported that Ward-Prowse will be allowed to leave St Mary’s if Southampton drop down to the Championship.

Pundit Paul Merson thinks that is exactly what is going to happen, and has made a prediction about the England international’s future on the south coast.

Paul Merson thinks a move away from Southampton is ‘likely’

In his latest column for Sportskeeda, Merson has tipped Southampton to lose on Saturday against Fulham, which would relegate them to the Championship. The former Arsenal forward has also written about what that could mean for Ward-Prowse.

“I think Fulham are going to win this 2-1 and Southampton are going to get relegated on Saturday,” he wrote.

“I think there’s a couple of Southampton players who would move this summer. James Ward-Prowse is likely to leave.”

Merson thinks the captain is likely to depart, but where to remains to be seen. Ward-Prowse has not ruled out a move away this summer, and he is likely to have plenty of suitors heading into next season.

Newcastle are likely to be in the conversation given their need midfield reinforcements. He would add more depth to Howe’s squad, while he would also give the Magpies another option from set pieces – although Kieran Trippier thinks that a deal for JWP would end his spell as Newcastle’s resident free-kick and corner taker.