Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur tracking Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse

According to a report by The Telegraph (Subscription Required) [h/t Express], Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Southampton midfielder, James Ward-Prowse.

The 26-year-old Southampton midfielder is also chased by fellow Premier League outfit, Aston Villa. The report adds that Spurs are also tracking Dennis Zakaria as well as Sporting CP’s Joao Palhinha.

Ward-Prowse, as it is commonly known, is a potent set-piece taker and somewhat of a specialist in the art of the dead-ball. He took the most corner-kicks last season and scored the most free-kick goals while also creating the joint-most chances from set-pieces during that time (h/t BBC).

Adding such a player can benefit Nuno Espirito Santo in the short as well as the long term, considering the Englishman is still just 26 years old. Spurs already have the dependable Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield.

Ward-Prowse at Spurs?

But his partner in midfield can be just about anyone from Moussa Sissoko to Tanguy Ndombele. That list, however, could be shortened this season if Harry Winks manages to leave the club.

According to Fabrizio Romano (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton are interested in a deal to sign Winks this summer. In the event of any such outgoing, bringing in another quality English player such as Ward-Prowse would be smart business.

Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli, and Oliver Skipp also make up the club’s midfield line-up. But Ward-Prowse’s potential inclusion can add significant depth to the team considering he will be challenging for starts at the club.

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However, it remains to be seen if Spurs can jostle the Villans to land the Saints midfielder, or if they decide to formalize any potential interest in him. This is still early days in the move and we should know more about Spurs’ intentions as time passes.