Former England star Stuart Pearce believes that James Ward-Prowse could reject approaches from the likes of Tottenham and stay at Southampton despite their relegation.
Following the Saint’s relegation from the Premier League, multiple outlets have backed Tottenham to make a move for Ward-Prowse over the last few weeks.
The latest such update came from Football Insider last week, with the outlet stating that Spurs have been monitoring the England international’s situation for some time and are plotting a summer offer while their London rivals, West Ham United, also have an eye on the player.
The report claimed that the 28-year-old had not made a decision about his future yet and was taking some time out before choosing his next destination.
The publication added that several Premier League clubs are expected to step up their pursuit of Ward-Prowse over the coming weeks.
However, Pearce believes that the Southampton captain might snub those offers and remain at St Mary’s in an effort to help his boyhood club bounce back to the top flight.
Pearce predicts Southampton stay for Ward-Prowse
The 61-year-old told talkSPORT: “I get the impression with James (Ward-Prowse) that he might even stay at Southampton. Do you get that at all?
“I just think he has such a connection with that football club. He is the captain of it and the driving power of it. If I was Southampton, and you are looking to bounce back, if I was the manager, then I would say ‘give me one season’.”
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Ward-Prowse is certainly a rarity in modern-day football as he is clearly a fiercely loyal player who loves his boyhood club.
However, I do not think even he would drop down to the Championship at a time when he is entering the peak years of his career as that would end any chances he has of making it back into the England squad ahead of next summer’s European championship.