Man Utd and Man City join transfer race for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse

dailystar.co.uk:

Manchester United and Man City.The Southampton star, 27, has been added to the Reds summer shopping as they search for two new central midfielders as part of their planned close-season overhaul.

But that is set to bring them into direct competition with their local rivals as Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the England international.The City boss described Ward-Prowse as the best dead-ball specialist in world football earlier this season.

And since then the St Mary’s playmaker, whose contract runs until June 2026, has continued to impress with consistent box-to-box displays most weeks.Ward-Prowse’s superb double last weekend in a 2-2 draw at Brighton took his goals total for the campaign to nine, including four free-kicks.Currently second behind David Beckham in the Premier League all-time free-kicks scored table, he could cost up to £60million if Southampton feel compelled to sell.In addition to an all-action game - and that ability to defend at one end and create and score at the other - Ward-Prowse’s incredible fitness record is another significant asset. Should James Ward-Prowse leave Southampton?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section belowHe is rarely injured or misses a game, which makes him all the more attractive to the Premier League big boys.Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are all tracking developments closely, while Aston Villa failed with a £25m swoop last summer.But they will be concerned by the news of the two Manchester giants have joined them in the race.Ward-Prowse remains settled on the South Coast yet may decide a switch to a club in Europe next season will improve his international ambitions ahead of the World Cup finals at the end of the year..