Spurs now have a great opportunity to land the ‘best free-kick taker’ in the world, thanks to Winks – TBR View

Add as preferred source on Google

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse over the past 12 months.

Last summer, The Telegraph reported that Spurs were readying a bid for the Saints captain.

However, Ward-Prowse went on to sign a new long-term contract at the club in August.

While that seemed like the end of Tottenham’s pursuit of Ward-Prowse, it looks as though Spurs are still keen.

Last month, Alasdair Gold suggested in a Q&A with football.london that Tottenham have been monitoring Ward-Prowse for some time.

Now, Sky Sports have also named the 27-year-old as a potential Spurs target in their latest N17 transfer analysis article.

However, both Gold and Sky Sports raised the same point – Ward-Prowse would likely prove too expensive for Tottenham.

With his contract running until 2026, Southampton’s hand would be incredibly strong in any negotiations.

However, if reports are true, the Saints now want to sign a player on Tottenham’s books.

And when it comes to negotiations, Spurs could certainly try their hand with a cash-plus-player deal for Ward-Prowse.

According to The Sun, Southampton are eyeing Harry Winks.

However, ‘the price could be prohibitive as they are prioritising other positions in this summer’s transfer market.’

Tottenham reportedly want between £15million and £25million for Winks, who is surplus to Conte’s requirements.

A deal that benefits both Spurs and Southampton?

Surely, there’s a deal to be done here.

Spurs could get themselves a long-term target and, in Pep Guardiola’s words, “the best free-kick taker I have ever seen, or at least… in the world right now.”

They’d be able to spend less money on Ward-Prowse than they would do in a cash-only deal.

Tottenham would also get Winks off their wage bill and enable him to try for first-team football at another Premier League club.

Meanwhile, Southampton would get a player they also want, while also cashing in on a key asset. This would allow them to bolster their ranks.

“The most underrated player in the Premier League”

Micah Richards lauded Ward-Prowse earlier this year.

“He’s the most underrated player in the Premier League for years,” Richards told Gary Neville on the LadBible YouTube channel.

“People say he doesn’t have mobility but not for me.

“He works hard, he’s always 7/10. He has a great right foot.

“You know what lets him down?

“Because he’s so good at free-kicks – like David Beckham – people forget about all the other stuff he’s good at.”