Incoming Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly desperate to bring Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.
The 20-time English champions are expected to be in the market for two new midfielders in the upcoming market, with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic both set to move on in search of pastures new.
Ten Hag, who will finish the season at Ajax before officially taking charge of Man United, is likely to be handed a healthy transfer budget this summer to improve the squad.
Midfield is believed to be a priority area for the Dutchman, and according to The Sun, Ward-Prowse is wanted by the new manager in a £75m deal.
The report, though, claims that Manchester City are also keen on the England international, so there could be a tug-of-war between the two Manchester giants in the upcoming market.
© Reuters
Declan Rice continues to be strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, but West Ham United are believed to want £150m for the England international, which will likely price him out of a summer exit.
The report claims that Man United, who are next in league action against Brentford on Monday night, want Ward-Prowse to play in a defensive midfield role next term.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign for Southampton, scoring 10 times and providing eight assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.
Ward-Prowse only signed a new long-term deal at St Mary's last August, though, and with his current terms not due to expire until June 2026, the Saints are in a strong position to demand a high transfer fee.
The midfielder has been with Southampton since the age of eight, progressing through the various youth teams before making his first-team debut in 2011.
Ward-Prowse has since represented their first team on 361 occasions in all competitions, contributing 43 goals and 48 assists in the process.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola called the midfielder "the best free-kick taker I have ever seen" earlier this year, and the Citizens are in the market for a replacement for Fernandinho, which could lead to them targeting the Southampton academy product.
Ten Hag is also believed to be keen to sign a new centre-back and two attackers during this summer's transfer window, but the club will almost certainly not be able to offer Champions League football to possible acquisitions next term.
The Red Devils are currently down in sixth position in the Premier League table, five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have two games in hand.
Battling to secure a Europa League spot for next term, Man United will finish their 2021-22 league campaign with matches against Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace.
The club's attention has already switched to next season, though, and Ten Hag will be tasked with improving a team that has lost 10 of their 35 league games this term, recording only 15 wins in the process.
Matt Law
