Newcastle should move for Ward-Prowse

Eddie Howe isn’t short on options in midfield with Joelinton, Bruno Guimarães, Isaac Hayden, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey and Jeff Hendrick on the books, but Newcastle are likely to trim the deadwood from the squad this summer which could result in an exodus.

Longstaff has struggled to hold down a starting place under Howe while Hendrick was loaned out in the winter transfer window, so the two midfielders could leave permanently at the end of the season. Newcastle would need to bring someone in and the Daily Mail say Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse is the one they want.

The 27-year-old has made 38 appearances in all competitions this campaign, scoring 10 goals with seven assists. In 32 Premier League outings, Ward-Prowse has created 67 chances, whipped in 276 crosses and completed 86.1% of his passes, so he’s a good ball-player who would bring creativity to the midfield.

Southampton unsurprisingly have no intention of selling the England international, so Newcastle could be met with some resistance if they make an official bid. But with the Magpies in the top-10 and chasing Europe next season, might Ward-Prowse’s career better flourish in the North-East?

He’s worth a punt.

In other news, Kevin Campbell makes transfer prediction