Fulham target Southampton star James Ward-Prowse as midfielder eyes Premier League football
James Ward-Prowse has three years left on his Southampton contract.
James Ward-Prowse.<p>
Fulham are serious contenders in the race for Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse. </p>
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The Cottagers are targeting the midfielder, who is interested in a move to Craven Cottage. </p>
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Southampton are likely to ask for close to £30million for their captain - who has three years left on his contract - after relegation from the Premier League last season. </p>
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West Ham want Fulham's Joao Palhinha to replace Declan Rice, which would then see the Cottagers line up Ward-Prowse. </p>
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Arsenal have had two bids rejected for Hammers skipper Rice this week, although champions Manchester City are reportedly preparing their own offer. </p>
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The Hammers are also interested in England international Ward-Prowse but he would prefer a switch to west London. </p>
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The 28-year-old sees Marco Silva's style as the best fit for him as he looks for a route back to the top flight. </p>
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A move to Fulham would also see him link up with former Saints team-mate Harrison Reed, with the pair having come through the academy at St Mary's. </p>
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Brentford, given their threat from set pieces, also held an interest in Ward-Prowse but they were quickly rebuffed by the Saints star. </p>
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He will leave the club this summer having been unable to keep Southampton in the Premier League after they finished bottom. </p>
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They had three managers as Nathan Jones replaced Ralph Hasenhuttl in November - but lasted just 14 games before being sacked - and Ruben Selles was unable to save the Saints. </p>
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Southampton appointed Russell Martin on a three-year deal from Swansea on Wednesday, with the Swans looking to bring Michael Duff in from Barnsley. </p>
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Martin will have to mount a promotion charge in the Championship without Ward-Prowse, who has made 409 appearances and scored 55 goals for the Saints and is one goal short of David Beckham's Premier League free-kick record of 18. </p>
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Saints could also lose Romeo Lavia, with the midfielder wanted by Liverpool and Arsenal. </p>
<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/fulham-target-southampton-star-james-ward-prowse-midfielder-eyes-premier-league-football">Fulham target Southampton star James Ward-Prowse as midfielder eyes Premier League football </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>
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