Manchester United report: James Ward-Prowse set for big summer move

By Mark White
published

Manchester United want James Ward-Prowse, with the Southampton captain reportedly ready to leave for a bigger club this summer

Manchester United target James Ward-Prowse celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on January 14, 2023 in Liverpool, England.
(Image credit: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Manchester United are looking at a huge move to bring James Ward-Prowse to Old Trafford this summer.

That's according to one report that says that the Southampton captain – who has spent his entire career as a one-club man – could move to the Red Devils this summer. 

The Saints sit bottom of the Premier League but Ward-Prowse has again been praised this season for his performances and remains on the cusp of Gareth Southgate's England thinking. With Erik ten Hag looking for midfielders this summer, the 28-year-old could well enter the equation. 

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag applauds during his side's 0-0 draw against Southampton at Old Trafford in March 2023.

Erik ten Hag is eyeing several new midfielders (Image credit: Getty Images)

Football Insider reports that United are in the frame for his signature along with Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa. 

With Ten Hag keen on continuing with a ruthless rebuild this season, there could be plenty of departures – especially in the centre of midfield. 

Casemiro is perhaps the only United star guaranteed a place in the centre of the park right now, with Scott McTominay linked with a move away, Christian Eriksen still injured and Fred having been picked sporadically this season.

Marcel Sabitzer is expected to return from his loan at the end of the campaign, while Donny van de Beek may go back to Ajax. 

Casemiro celebrates one of his two goals for Manchester United against Reading in the FA Cup in January 2023.

Manchester United don't have a wealth of options in midfield – with only Casemiro guaranteed to start (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ward-Prowse – who has drawn comparisons to Red Devils legend David Beckham in the past – last signed a contract in 2021, taking his St. Mary's deal up until 2026. 

The set-piece specialist is valued at €38m by Transfermarkt. 

More Manchester United stories

Manchester United are looking to capitalise on their resurgence in the transfer market, with big new signings. Victor Osimhen is one option for €100m, Declan Rice is on the radar and Jeremie Frimpong could arrive as a new right-back. More outlandish theories include signing Kylian Mbappe and selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal. 

The Glazer ownership are not guaranteed to sell up – despite bids from lifelong fan, Sir Jim Radcliffe and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has underlined the importance of positive mentality at Old Trafford. 

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Mark White
Mark White
Staff Writer

Mark White has been a staff writer on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, writing pieces for both online and the magazine. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also been to the FA Cup and League Cup finals for FFT and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He once saw Tyrone Mings at a petrol station in Bournemouth but felt far too short to ask for a photo.