By Kevin Phillips

30th Apr, 2022 | 5:00pm

Newcastle transfer news: Expert issues verdict on '£50m' James Ward-Prowse signing

Kevin Phillips has insisted James Ward-Prowse will be “seriously reluctant” to leave Southampton this summer amid interest from cash-rich Newcastle.

The former Saints striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 27-year-old is a “legend” on the South Coast.

According to the Daily Mail (28 April), Newcastle and Tottenham are interested in signing Ward-Prowse ahead of the summer window.

However, the report claims Southampton are determined to keep their captain at St Mary’s Stadium and will rebuff all offers.

Ward-Prowse is enjoying his best-ever season in front of goal, having notched 10 goals and seven assists in 38 games this term.

Phillips claimed it would take a “ridiculous” bid of around “£50million” to tempt Southampton to part with the England midfielder.

“First and foremost, he only signed a new deal at Southampton last year,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“That suggested to me that he was happy to stay where he is. He was being linked with bigger clubs during that summer, but he’s a legend at Southampton already. He’s loved down there.

“I just think the player will be seriously reluctant to move. It would take a ridiculous bid to get him out of the club – you’re talking £50million.

“Is he worth that sort of money? It’s debatable. Everyone can see that he’s one of the best dead-ball specialists in the Premier League – and you will pay a premium for that.

“But I just think even if Newcastle come calling, he won’t be moving on this summer.”

Ward-Prowse signed a bumper five-year deal last summer (2021) – keeping him at the club until 2026.

He came through the ranks at Southampton and has played 360 games for the club, scoring 43 goals.

In other news, pundit issues verdict after big update on Newcastle bid for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.