Liverpool are keeping tabs on Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse as they continue to assess midfield options this summer.
According to The Daily Mail, the Reds are considering a move for Ward-Prowse, but only if Southampton drop their huge £50m asking-price.
Liverpool are believed to be willing to pay £50m for Ward-Prowse. The midfielder, who top scored for the Saints with 11 goals, is set to be among the Southampton players who move on this summer.
Ward-Prowse will be hoping to be back in the Premier League next season as he looks to make a case for being included in England’s Euros squad for 2024.
A move to Liverpool would offer him the chance to get right back among the very top level. However, he is set to have a host of options to choose from.
Newcastle are known to have him on their own radar while the likes of Tottenham have been mentioned in the past.
Lauded as being an ‘unbelievable‘ servant to the club, Ward-Prowse will be fully aware that his next move is critical in his career.
Now 28, the set-piece specialist is likely to only get one more long-term contract somewhere.
There’s an admiration to be had for Ward-Prowse if he does opt to stay with Southampton. But if he does harbour loftier ambitions, then the time is now really.
He cannot be playing in the Championship if he wants to be involved with England. It’s a similar situation for the likes of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes at Leicester.
Of course, he’d be good in Liverpool’s midfield and the fact he’s so good from dead balls is an added bonus.
The Reds are right to wait this one out though. Paying £50m would be over the top and if we can negotiate a smaller fee, then it’s a deal worth looking into.
