Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has backed Liverpool to enter the fray alongside fellow Premier League side Aston Villa for the signature of Southampton’s midfield maestro James Ward-Prowse.
The Reds have been tipped to use the transfer window this summer to sign a new midfield name in light of the long-serving Gini Wijnaldum departing Anfield and moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
Wijnaldum’s exit from the first-team hold means that Jurgen Klopp is one influential man short in his midfield department and the Liverpool boss has been linked with a number of quality names including Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Aston Villa star John McGinn.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan reckons Ward-Prowse could prove to be a brilliant piece of transfer business for Liverpool with the Saints’ man being an energetic presence in the centre of the park besides his set-piece prowess which will come of importance at Anfield.
Aston Villa are also claimed to be looking to make a move for the England international who was left out of the 26-man squad currently at the UEFA European Championships to much dismay from the fans despite Ward-Prowse enjoying a superb Premier League campaign last time around with eight goals and seven assists to his name.
“We do know that Aston Villa have brought in a lot of midfield players. They’re still looking to bring in more.
“We did wonder where they’re all going to fit in if they go for Ward-Prowse.
“Then again, Liverpool might fancy Ward-Prowse. He’s that kind of midfield player as well, especially when it comes to set-pieces as well.
“You’ve got to look at delivery, you’ve got to look at everything.
“He’s tenacious in midfield, he’s got that energy about him and is a player that would could probably suit Liverpool as well.”
