---
title: "Noel Whelan tips Liverpool to pursue James Ward-Prowse deal"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/noel-whelan-tips-liverpool-to-pursue-james-ward-prowse-deal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-06-28T14:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-06-28T14:00:00Z"
---

# Noel Whelan tips Liverpool to pursue James Ward-Prowse deal

Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has tipped [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/06/28/virals-liverpool-reportedly-in-advanced-talks-to-sign-otavio/) to make a move for Southampton midfielder [James Ward-Prowse](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/05/17/garth-crooks-claims-james-ward-prowse-would-be-the-ideal-liverpool-signing/) this summer.

This comes as Aston Villa reportedly prepare to make a move for the 26-year-old Englishman should club captain [Jack Grealish leave](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/man-city-complete-88m-villa-grealish-transfer-mahrez-sterling-for-sale) the Midlands club.

Saints’ captain Ward-Prowse has become an established Premier League performer over the years the Reds have certainty had a [penchant for stripping the south coast](https://www.90min.com/posts/every-player-liverpool-have-signed-from-southampton-ranked) before now.

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/liverpool-tipped-to-rival-aston-villa-for-ward-prowse-as-record-breaking-bid-readied-whelan/), Whelan suggested Jurgen Klopp should be in the hunt to sign the free-kick specialist.

> 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 probably suit Liverpool as well.

Capped [eight times](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/nationalmannschaft/spieler/181579/verein_id/3299) by England, the versatile midfielder enjoyed a superb 2020/21 campaign, scoring [eight and registering another seven assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/leistungsdaten/spieler/181579) in 38 Premier League outings.

[Described](https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/18185056.southampton-boss-ralph-hasenhuttl-praises-james-ward-prowse/) as being possessing the ‘full package’ by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, Ward-Prowse has made [269 top-flight appearances](https://www.premierleague.com/players/4617/James-Ward-Prowse/stats).

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Valued at £27million and under contract until 2025 at St Mary’s ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/marktwertverlauf/spieler/181579)), signing the Southampton talisman would come at a cost.

However, should the ace [harbour ambitions](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/04/16/james-ward-prowse-interview-want-create-history-fa-cup-final/) of playing UEFA Champions League football, perhaps there is a deal to be struck.

Predominantly a central midfielder, the Portsmouth-born star would act as a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum whilst also being [capable of covering Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/181579) should Neco Williams leave.

Perhaps the Reds could use Williams himself, or [Saints loanee](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-southampton-transfer-takumi-minamino-20521826) and outcast Red, Takumi Minamino in a deal for the Englishman.

One thing is for certain is that Ward-Prowse and Alexander-Arnold would be [battling](https://www.givemesport.com/1623462-de-bruyne-alexanderarnold-coutinho-best-freekick-conversion-rates-in-the-premier-league-since-2017) over who took the set pieces.