Southampton urged to strike deal for West Ham outcast James Ward-Prowse - He'd be "welcomed back with open arms" | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has been discussing the possibility of a January St Mary's return for 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 have recently been linked with a swoop for West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse in the January transfer window.

The Saints haven’t found life easy during the early stages of their return to the Championship, after suffering relegation from the Premier League last term in frustrating fashion.

After an opening day victory over Wrexham, it took Will Still’s side until the eighth game of the season to record their second triumph away at Sheffield United.

Southampton currently sit 14th in the table and are eight points behind league leaders Middlesbrough. This gap isn’t insurmountable, but is one that they won’t want to let extend any further.

There was a recent source of positivity for the St. Mary’s faithful, however. According to GIVEMESPORT, the Saints are eyeing up a move for former captain James Ward-Prowse after he has been iced out of West Ham United’s squad by new manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

Ward-Prowse came through Southampton’s academy system and would remain with the South Coast outfit until their relegation from the Premier League in 2023.

Southampton told to pursue move for West Ham United outcast James Ward-Prowse

Football League World’s Southampton fan pundit, Martin Sanders, believes that most of the club’s fanbase would be extremely keen to see the midfielder make a St. Mary’s return, but is wary of his potential wage demands.

“I'm surprised he's been binned off so quickly by Nuno,” stated Martin. “But obviously, he didn't fancy him.

“The minute that Nuno went into West Ham, I thought, 'what will James Ward-Prowse do?'. It was very ruthless.

"He's a top player, but he has not kicked on since he left Southampton.

“I think he'd be welcomed back with open arms. He's an absolute fan's favourite down here. So, if there was an opportunity to bring him back, I think the fans would absolutely love it.

“It could bring a lot of experience, and I always thought he'd come back and finish his career at Southampton. I think his wages will be a major problem though.”

As per Capology's estimates, Ward-Prowse is reportedly earning an eye-watering £115k-a-week at the London Stadium; a salary that would mean he would be far and away Saints' highest-earner.

Therefore, he would surely have to take a pay cut if a return to St Mary's has any chance of materialising for him.

James Ward-Prowse would be a major coup for Southampton

Ward-Prowse may have been frozen out of the West Ham United squad by Nuno, but prior to that, he was a regular starter for the Hammers under Graham Potter.

The 30-year-old has never been a player who has relied on physical attributes to help him perform, with his technical ability always what has made Ward-Prowse stand out.

Having made over 400 senior appearances for the Saints, the midfielder already has a place cemented within St. Mary’s folklore, but could further increase his reputation with a return.

This transfer would be huge for Southampton. They would be receiving a Premier League-level player, whose ability to control and dictate matches would only be amplified in the second-tier.

If Still and Co. can pull this off, it could give their chances of fighting for promotion a massive push.

Therefore, they must pursue the deal intensely and make sure that they’re the club that capitalises on Ward-Prowse’s current situation.

Given their previous history together, Southampton seems like the obvious destination for Ward-Prowse to return to following his disappointment at the London Stadium, and given the affiliation he has with the club, the chance to don the Saints shirt once again will surely be something that will only naturally interest him.