Liverpool will wait until later in the summer to see if they can secure the signing of James Ward-Prowse from Southampton for a discounted fee, according to reports.
One midfielder has already arrived at Liverpool this summer from a club on the south coast after Alexis Mac Allister joined the Reds from Brighton. But more reinforcements are required in similar territory to account for the exits of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
With one void now filled, two more additions would make sense. In that regard, the next transfer Liverpool look to be focusing on is their pursuit of Khephren Thuram from Nice
But later in the summer, they could complete their midfield puzzle by bidding for Ward-Prowse, according to the Daily Mail.
Ward-Prowse has spent his entire career so far with Southampton. But if he stays with them next season, he will be playing in the Championship.
Indeed, after their relegation, Southampton might have to sell several of their better players. As their captain, Ward-Prowse will be one of those attracting the most interest.
However, as things stand, Southampton are holding out for a transfer fee in the region of £50m for their academy product.
Believing that is too high, despite his contract at St. Mary’s Stadium lasting until 2026, Liverpool are willing to take a chance by waiting until later in the summer to make their move for him.
Liverpool go halfway to meeting Ward-Prowse price
That way, Southampton might be under more pressure to reduce his price tag. In an ideal world, Liverpool would prefer to pay somewhere closer to £25m for Ward-Prowse, according to the report.
Of course, there is the risk that by delaying their pursuit of him, they could miss out to another, more immediate bidder.
Yet if things fall into place for Liverpool, the 11-time England international could end up at Anfield.
Liverpool have signed several players from Southampton in recent years. Virgil van Dijk is still one of their most important defenders, for example. The likes of Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana may have since left, but also played important roles throughout the Jurgen Klopp era.
Perhaps there could be a future for Ward-Prowse on Merseyside as well. At the age of 28, he is in the prime of his career and could step up to Europa League level with Liverpool.
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