The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon has provided both an injury and a transfer update for one of Southampton’s most valuable players.
At the end of July, it was reported that Aston Villa had a bid worth £25m for James Ward-Prowse rejected by the Saints.
Alongside the interest from Villa, Ward-Prowse has also been absent from a number of the club’s most recent pre-season friendlies with an injury.
It would be easy for fans to jump to conclusions and assume the absence may suggest a potential move away from Southampton could be on the cards, but Sheldon has explained that there is nothing sinister to the situation.
Speaking on the Total Saints Podcast, Sheldon said with certainty: “So, he’s got an issue with his knee. I’d be absolutely gobsmacked – and I mean gobsmacked – if he is not a Southampton player come the end of the transfer window.
“It’s just a knee [injury] at the moment and Ralph’s keen to ensure he has the best chance possible to make the Everton game next weekend.”
TIF Thoughts on James Ward-Prowse and Southampton…
Ward-Prowse was trusted with the captain’s armband when manager Ralph Hasenhuttl stripped Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of it for refusing to sign a new contract at the club.
The Englishman has repaid his manager’s faith since then, with a number of fine performances that saw him make Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euro 2020 England squad.
Having just lost Danny Ings, the Saints will not likely want to sell another star in Ward-Prowse and this latest news suggests he will be a Southampton player for at least a little while longer yet.