Ranking the five favourites to sign James Ward-Prowse

Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League has placed James Ward-Prowse in-demand, with the club captain expected to depart the Saints in order to keep alive his England ambitions.

As the speculation continues, we’ve looked at the bookmakers’ view on Ward-Prowse’s future. For those of you interested in finding the best odds from bookmakers such as betway, here are the five favourites to sign James Ward-Prowse.

Brighton – 12/1

Brighton could be in the market for reinforcements, with Moises Caicedo expected to follow Alexis Mac Allister out of the exit door. Caicedo is subject of interest from Chelsea who have seen two offers rejected and Ward-Prowse could prove a fine replacement for the 21-year-old.

Full of energy and technical quality, a move to Brighton would allow Ward-Prowse to feature in European competition next season and remain close to his south coast roots. It’s a deal that appears to make sense.

Newcastle – 10/1

Newcastle are strengthening their squad ahead of a Champions League return this season, after the Magpies secured a place in Europe’s elite for the first time since 2002/03.

Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes have already arrived to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad, but further additions could be sought as Newcastle look to build a squad capable of dealing with the added demands of European competition.

Newcastle ranked only 11th in the Premier League for set-piece goals scored last season, a statistic which could improve should Ward-Prowse head to St James’ Park.

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Tottenham – 9/1

Ange Postecoglou has been tasked with turning around Tottenham’s fortunes and the north Londoners have been active in the market to date. Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski have turned loans in to permanent deals, while James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Manor Solomon have arrived to improve the squad.

Spurs have been credited as long-term admirers of Ward-Prowse and could be open to a deal amid speculation surrounding Pierre-Emile Hojbherg’s future. The Dane is attracting interest from Atletico Madrid.

West Ham – 5/4

West Ham have already seen one bid for Ward-Prowse turned down, but could return with an improved bid as the Hammers look to plug the Declan Rice-shaped hole in their midfield.

The Southampton skipper could provide much-needed leadership and industry following Rice’s exit, while his dead-ball expertise will appeal to David Moyes, with no shortage of aerial targets to aim for at the London Stadium.

Stay at Southampton – 1/1

Could Ward-Prowse turn down an exit and remain loyal to Southampton?

The midfielder has spent two decades with the club after joining the academy aged eight and has made 409 appearances for the Saints since breaking into the first-team. His England hopes might fade with a season in the Championship, but the reward of returning Southampton to the top division might convince him to remain put.

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