Trippier makes Ward-Prowse joke after claim Newcastle want to sign him

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Newcastle United have been linked with signing James Ward-Prowse this summer, and Kieran Trippier has hinted that it could change his role if the midfielder arrives.

Ward-Prowse could be on the move ahead of next season, with reports claiming that Southampton could let their captain leave if they are relegated.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, who are waiting to find out how much the Saints want for him. However, it has been reported elsewhere that he could command a fee in the region of £50million.

That is a huge amount of money for a player who struggled to impose himself at St James’ Park on Sunday. Ward-Prowse was rather ineffective as Newcastle came from behind to beat his side 3-1.

Ward-Prowse and Trippier exchange words after Newcastle 3 Southampton 1

The defeat edges Southampton closer to relegation, and Ward-Prowse was seen chatting to Newcastle captain Kieran Trippier after the game.

After the conversation, Trippier jokingly told the Shields Gazette that he was ‘tapping up’ the free-kick expert.

“I’ll be off them [the set pieces] won’t I, when he comes? If he comes!” he said.

Trippier is not wrong

While Trippier was clearly joking, he is not wrong about his set piece status if Ward-Prowse does join the club this summer.

His delivery is absolutely exceptional, while he is one goal away from becoming the Premier League’s all-time leading free-kick scorer.

Trippier is incredible in dead ball situations, but Ward-Prowse is on a different level. So if he were to become a member of Eddie Howe’s squad, there’s no way he would not be on set pieces. It is his biggest asset after all.

In truth, Trippier and Ward-Prowse were probably just catching up after the game, having played together for England. But talk of a move for JWP is interesting, and he would certainly add more depth to an already impressive midfield.

The big stumbling block could be the price, however. £50million is the rumoured fee at the moment, which seems far too expensive for a player who would not get in our starting XI right now.

If that is the asking price, Newcastle will likely have to continue with Trippier taking all set pieces – and that is not a bad thing!