Following Southampton’s Premier League relegation in May, the hunt for talismanic, free-kick wizard James Ward-Prowse kicked off in earnest.
A whole host of clubs have been linked with the 28-year-old since the Saints dropped and there’s a sense of inevitability that he’ll be leaving St Mary’s this summer. But who are the favourites to sign the England international?
Europa Conference League champions West Ham United are the current frontrunners with the bookies and are just 11/10 to land his signature with Betfred. Should Declan Rice’s prospective move to Arsenal go through, believed to be around £100m, they’ll have a decent transfer kitty to pursue Ward-Prowse, who Southampton are prepared to let go for £40-50m.
Newcastle United are also believed to be admirers and can be backed at 5/1 to sign Ward-Prowse. However, the Magpies are also favourites to land Leicester City’s James Maddison so their attention might be diverted for the time being.
Interestingly, at longer odds are Liverpool at 7/1. Reports this week suggest the Reds are keeping an eye on the future of Ward-Prowse but have been put off by Southampton’s high asking price - however, they’re still monitoring the situation and believe that the price tag could drop towards the end of the window.
Given the interest in Ward-Prowse this summer, it seems unlikely that Southampton can keep their hands on their star man, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility. Saints are third favourites for promotion in the Championship next season and Ward-Prowse is 8/1 to still be there fighting for promotion back to the top-flight.
Ward-Prowse Club After Summer Transfer Window Odds:
(Loan deals count)
West Ham: 11/10
Newcastle: 5/1
Liverpool: 7/1
Tottenham: 7/1
Southampton: 8/1
Brighton: 12/1
Aston Villa: 14/1
Wolves: 20/1
Brentford: 20/1
Fulham: 20/1
Nott'm Forest: 20/1
Crystal Palace: 20/1
Leeds: 50/1
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
