OPINION
Newcastle United must try their luck by hijacking Watford’s reported pursuit of the talented Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
The Sun claimed on Tuesday that the Magpies’ Premier League rivals the Hornets had submitted a £10million offer for the 23-year-old central midfielder.
The British newspaper suggested that Ward-Prowse’s exit was a possibility as Mark Hughes could decide to cash in on the player in order to raise cash to spend on improving other areas of his team.
Sky Sports have since claimed that while the Hornets are keen on Ward-Prowse they have only tried to secure his services on loan and their efforts have been rebuffed by the Saints as they have no intention of sanctioning a deal to see him exit on a temporary basis.
While it appears the English midfielder won’t be let go on loan, Sky Sports’ update on his situation doesn’t clarify whether the Saints would be willing to sell him for the right offer.
The Magpies may have failed to spend big this summer but if there’s any chance that Ward-Prowse is set to depart for anywhere near the £10million mark The Sun previously believed the Hornets were bidding for him, then they must try their luck.
The 23-year-old is a promising talent who can feature as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or on the right and is destined to have a bright future in the game given his ability.
Ward-Prowse, who has one England cap to his name, is a set-piece specialist, has wonderful creative vision when it comes to his passes and can put chances on a plate for forwards to fire home.
The midfielder also, despite being only 23-years-old, has a heap of Premier League experience that will help Rafa Benitez’s side if recruited as he has played 167 times in England’s top-division.
The 23-year-old, who earns £45,000-a-week at the Saints (Source: Spotrac), would instantly improve the Magpies’ attacking options and with him set to get better in the future then he would be a inspired signing.
Therefore if there is any chance that the Saints are about to foolish sanction Ward-Prowse’s exit then the Magpies must try their luck and submit an offer for him in the time that is left of the transfer window.
