According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are showing interest in Southampton duo James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Salisu.
However, the same report claims we’ll face stiff competition from Tottenham, with a ‘fire sale’ expected at St Mary’s should they suffer relegation to the second tier this summer (they currently sit second bottom on 21 points).
Salisu is approaching the final 12 months of his contract, while a 28-year-old Ward-Prowse – who also has long-term admirers at Aston Villa – may be ready for a new challenge after spending his entire career at the south coast club.
The Ghanaian defender has already been linked with a move to Tyneside this week, with The Sun’s Dan King tipping us to launch a £15m bid for the 23-year-old talent.
He could provide cover for Sven Botman as a fellow left-sided defender, but I do wonder if this is necessary when Dan Burn is likely to fill this role next season? He would add some much needed pace to our back line, mind.
As for Ward-Prowse, he would’ve been a dream signing for many in the first window under new owners and be considered an upgrade on the recently departed Jonjo Shelvey. However, I’d expect the club to target a younger and more mobile alternative this summer, not a player approaching his 30s.
