SOUTHAMPTON 'SLAP £40M PRICE TAG ON JAMES WARD-PROWSE'

Southampton want £40million for their captain James Ward-Prowse, say reports
Saints have named an ambitious price despite relegation to the Championship
Hammers lead the chase for Ward-Prowse ahead of Declan Rice's expected exit

Southampton want £40million to sell their captain James Ward-Prowse this summer, according to reports.

The Saints' relegation to the Championship was confirmed on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday.

And the south-coast club are keen to raise funds for a summer rebuild by selling off their skipper and talisman Ward-Prowse amid interest from West Ham.

Central midfielder Ward-Prowse has three years left on his contract and is wanted by several clubs including Aston Villa and Tottenham, leading to the hopeful £40m valuation.

As reported by the Sun, the Hammers are leading the chase for the 28-year-old, who does not have a relegation release clause in his contract - as revealed by Mail Sport in May.

David Moyes' side are also said to want Fulham's Joao Palhinha as they plan a midfield overhaul ahead of the probable departure of Declan Rice this summer.

Rice is wanted by clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United and is expected to leave in the upcoming transfer window.

However, the Sun add that no talks have taken place between Ward-Prowse and any suitors yet.

A Saints academy graduate, the 11-cap England international has played 409 times for his local club in all competitions, scoring 55 goals.

The set-piece specialist scored nine goals this season, also recording four assists.

Ward-Prowse's regular midfield partner this season, Romeo Lavia, is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool and could also move this summer.

After Southampton's final game of the season, an entertaining 4-4 draw against Liverpool in which Ward-Prowse scored and was subbed off late on to a standing ovation, he said: ''It is nice of course, this is a club that has meant a lot to me.

'I've been here for 20 years and had a fantastic journey, I've enjoyed every minute of it. You never know what is going to happen in the future. I come away this season with my head held high knowing I've done everything I can for this club, not only this year but ever since I came through the door as an eight year old.'

2023-05-30T08:46:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd