Newcastle United Are Interested In This Southampton Midfielder

In a recent report, The Shields Gazette mentioned that Newcastle United are interested in Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse. It has also been stated that the Magpies would have to pay a hefty sum for a transfer deal if they wish to sign him this summer.

Ward-Prowse’s Campaign For Southampton This Season

James Ward-Prowse has had a solid campaign for The Saints this season as he has managed to score 11 goals and create 7 assists over 41 appearances across all competitions.

The English midfielder has performed well to average 1.1 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 clearances, 1.5 shots, 2.0 key passes and 0.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from midfield as he completed 86.3% of his attempted passes in English top-flight football (stats via whoscored).

Should Newcastle United Boss David Howe Bring Him To St. James Park?

Ward-Prowse is a decent tackler of the ball, and he can sometimes secure the ball back for his side at the centre of the park. He can offer decent cover for his teammates on the defensive end of the field and can strike the ball with power and precision from long range.

The England international has the vision to set up some meaningful openings for his teammates in the final third of the field. He is comfortable playing his way out from the central areas of the pitch.

An all-round midfielder of James’ calibre would no doubt make the Magpies’ midfield a force to be reckoned with. He will no doubt enhance the quality of David Howe‘s starting XI and could help them secure a top-four place in the next campaign. However, the transfer fee involved would take away a huge sum of their budget, which needs to be utilised in the problem areas first.

Therefore, Newcastle United should prioritise the problem areas and lay off on the pursuit of Ward-Prowse’s brilliance as the current midfielders at St. James Park have all fared well near the end of last season.