Southampton told why James Ward-Prowse return had key stumbling block | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his verdict on the latest developments involving James Ward-Prowse

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Southampton are set to miss out on the signing of James Ward-Prowse following an agreement between West Ham and Burnley.

According to Sky Sports, the midfielder is pencilled in for a medical with the Clarets ahead of his loan switch this January.

The 31-year-old has been out of favour at the London Stadium with the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo as manager.

His last appearance was on 20 September, which led to speculation that he could make a dramatic return to St. Mary’s, almost three years after departing the club.

However, Ward-Prowse is now instead set to make the switch to Turf Moor for the remainder of the Premier League season.

Midfield options at Southampton aren’t the issue

When asked about missing out on Ward-Prowse, FLW’s Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders claimed that his wages would’ve always presented a major stumbling block in bringing him back to the club, and that their midfield options aren’t too bad at the moment anyway.

However, he is concerned about the total lack of movement in the January transfer window so far, with just days remaining before the market shuts.

“He’s a good player for Burnley,” Sanders told Football League World.

“I just think wage-wise we would’ve struggled to get him in on the wages.

“Even at 50 percent, he’d probably be above our highest earners.

“We’re not that bad, we’ve got loads of midfielders unless Charles gets injured again.

“Our midfield, [Shea] Charles, [Flynn] Downes, [Caspar] Jander’s not bad, Cameron Brigg is coming through as well, we’re not that lightweight in central-midfield.

“So, yeah, not surprised we haven’t gone in for him, but then we haven’t really done any business.”

Southampton have endured a disappointing first season back in the Championship, but they still have some hopes of earning a play-off place.

Tonda Eckert’s side have yet to make an outfield signing this January, with the arrival of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz at the start of the month on loan from Bayern being their only incoming.

The Saints have until 7pm on Monday to complete any potential deals, with the window set to close in just a few days.

In the meantime, next up for Southampton is a trip to face Stoke City on 31 January in a 12.30pm kick-off.

James Ward-Prowse setback isn’t the biggest blow to Southampton

Ward-Prowse coming back to the club certainly would’ve been a moment that supporters would’ve appreciated.

However, midfield isn’t the biggest area that needs to be addressed in the squad, so it’s not a huge issue that they’ve missed out.

Given he’s only gone on loan to Burnley, it’s also possible that they could bring him to St. Mary’s in the summer, depending on how the next six months go.

Southampton should be using the final days of the window to strengthen in other parts of the squad, particularly in attack.