According to reports, incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse as a vital part of the club's rebuilding plan.
Southampton is preparing for a struggle to keep its captain this summer, with Sportsmail reporting on Friday that the club would inform Premier League opponents that he is not for sale, despite reports that Tottenham and Newcastle are interested.
Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, and Nemanja Matic are all set to leave United this summer, thus the club will be looking for midfielders.
According to the Sun, Ten Hag, who will take over as United manager at the conclusion of the season, has identified Ward-Prowse as a target as he seeks to bolster the club's struggling engine room.
Ward-stock Prowse's is at an all-time high, and the Dutchman is said to admire him, although United could face competition from arch-rivals Manchester City for his signature.
Ward-transfer Prowse's fee might be approximately £75 million, which is half of what West Ham has offered United for their prized asset Declan Rice.
The 27-year-old Saints captain is under contract until 2026 at St Mary's and is thought to earn £100,000 per week, a sum that is unlikely to discourage City or United.
Pep Guardiola has publicly stated his affection for Ward-Prowse, and the Premier League champions could make a bid for him to replace Brazilian Fernandinho, who has left the club.
When Ten Hag joins United from Ajax, it is unclear how much money he will be given to spend, but he is expected to prioritise centre midfield, which has been a problem position at Old Trafford for some years.
Ten Hag feels Ward-Prowse can play as a holding midfielder, according to the Sun.
Kalvin Phillips has also been linked with a move to United, but he has told Sportsmail that he will turn down a move to Leeds' bitter rivals out of devotion to his current club.
Rice's £150 million price tag is said to be a major stumbling block for United in their pursuit of the West Ham striker, who has also piqued Chelsea's attention.
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