Erik ten Hag backed to sign £75m star as he targets Manchester United signings

Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been backed to sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse this summer.

Ten Hag has been drawing up a list of potential targets ahead of his move to Old Trafford and is keen to bolster his midfield options.

Ward-Prowse, who has made more than 300 Premier League appearances for boyhood club Southampton, has been linked with a move to United this week.

Manchester United have expressed interest in signing Declan Rice but West Ham want more than £130m for the England star, while Ward-Prowse is valued at around £75m.

Ward-Prowse is renowned for his ability from free-kicks, having scored 14 of them in the Premier League, only four fewer than record holder David Beckham.

But former Republic of Ireland and Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino insists Ward-Prowse is far more than a dead-ball specialist and says he can understand why Ten Hag may want to bring him to Old Trafford.

‘It was interesting to see James Ward-Prowse linked with a move to Manchester United,’ Cascarino told The Times.

‘At 27, the Southampton midfielder is entering the peak years of his career and if he is not content with being a one-club man, now may be the time for a big move.

‘Ward-Prowse is so much more than simply a dead-ball expert (though there are few better than him from corners and free kicks). He is brilliant at keeping the ball and helping his team dictate play.

‘I can see why Erik ten Hag may fancy him.’

With Manchester United enduring another trophy-less season, Ten Hag is expected to significantly bolster his squad this summer.

The 52-year-old is on the verge of winning his third Eredivisie title with Ajax and will look to enjoy more success at Old Trafford.

Jamie Redknapp recently urged Ten Hag