"Don't really want to lose that" - Journalist sends strong Southampton message to Sport Republic

Southampton owners Sport Republic will make keeping James Ward-Prowse at St Mary’s a priority ahead of the summer transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Sport Republic, led by Dragan Solak, completed a big-money takeover of the south coast club in the early stages of 2022 and may have a tough job on their hands as they look to fend off interest in Saints captain Ward-Prowse.

Ward-Prowse may have a £100,000-per-week contract tying him down to Southampton until the summer of 2026, but that has not deterred his admirers.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with making a move for the central midfielder, who is valued at £75million by Saints.

Southampton have warned clubs that Ward-Prowse is not for sale, amid additional interest from Newcastle United, but the number of suitors does not stop there.

That is because he has worked his way onto West Ham United’s radar after gaining a fan in Hammers boss David Moyes.

Ward-Prowse has enjoyed the most prolific season of his career, having found the back of the net 10 times.

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O’Rourke believes Sport Republic will be desperate to keep Ward-Prowse at Southampton ahead of next season.

The journalist feels the 10-cap England international needs to remain one of the first names on Saints chief Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team-sheet.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I think you’ve got to try and build your team around James Ward-Prowse.

“He has been vital for Southampton over the last few years and, again, this season he has come up with so many crucial goals from set pieces and assists.

“He’s the captain of the club as well, so you don’t really want to lose that.”

Hasenhuttl