According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are plotting a move for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
The Reds have already confirmed their first signing of the summer with Alexis Mac Allister making the move to Anfield earlier this week.
Jurgen Klopp and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will be working hard this summer on a much-needed midfield rebuild, with a number of talented players already being linked to the club.
Both Khephren Thuram and Kouadio ‘Manu’ Kone have been touted to join the Argentine World Cup winner as the next generation of success in the centre of the pitch, however, at present nothing has progressed.
Now Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a new target with recently relegated Ward-Prowse, however, the Merseysiders are not willing to pay the £50m asking price Southampton have set.
As per the report from the Mail, there is a feeling amongst Premier League clubs interested that Saints will reduce their original asking price as the summer transfer window plays out.
Newcastle United and West Ham United are two other top-flight clubs monitoring the player’s situation alongside Liverpool.
Our thoughts on Liverpool’s interest in James Ward-Prowse…
There is no doubt that there needs to be change and reinvestment in the Liverpool team after a disappointing campaign both in domestic competition and on the European stage.
Over 38 league appearances, Ward-Prowse scored nine goals, delivered four assists and created nine big chances, as well as averaging 67.4 touches, two key passes, 1.4 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances and 3.6 duels won per game, proving that despite Southampton’s plight he was a huge presence on the pitch.
Whilst Ward-Prowse boasts a wealth of Premier League experience and clear consistency in the centre of the pitch, at 28 years old it does beg the question as to whether Liverpool should bring in another player who may not be an asset to the long-term future.
Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are both well into their 30s at this point and are reaching the latter stages of their career, so prioritising the recruitment for young long-term prospects that the German coach can mould into his next prodigies to replace the duo should be essential.
Having said that, the acquisition of players from the south coast club has often proved fruitful for the Reds with Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk becoming incredibly important to the amazing success over the last half a decade.
As a result, if FSG are willing to go against the grain by providing Klopp with substantial financial backing this summer to land both exciting youth prospects and experienced Premier League stars, then there is no reason why Liverpool shouldn’t make a move for Ward-Prowse.
