Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has shared his thoughts on the possibility of the north London club securing a potential summer transfer move for James Ward-Prowse.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Spurs have their eyes on the England midfielder and could make a move for him in the summer.
This has led to Hutton sharing his verdict on the potential move and what the midfielder could offer Antonio Conte’s side.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton said this when asked if he thinks Ward-Prowse is the kind of attack-minded midfielder Tottenham are looking for. He said: “I think his numbers show that.
“Not obviously just from dead-ball situations, but he has got that eye for a pass, he has played a lot of games for Southampton in the Premier League and has a lot of experience.
“Where does he fit into that midfield if Antonio Conte stays? We know how he likes to play with two strong, combative midfielders. Is he going to play week in, week out? That is what he would have to look at moving forward.
“But I definitely think he gives them something different. He is at a good age as well so I think it would be a good signing. But it all depends on the manager and whether he stays or not.”
With the second-highest rate of expected non-penalty goals and assisted goals at Southampton (6.4), this highlights how much of an attacking threat he carries from midfield, which Hutton mentioned.
Would James Ward-Prowse be a good signing for Spurs?
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Ward-Prowse also has an impressive track record of scoring free-kicks, which has led to Darren Bent describing this ability as “sensational” for his side.
On the other side of his game, the 28-year-old has the second-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (75) at the south coast club in the league this season, which shows that he could offer Conte’s side something in the defensive side of the game as well as in an attacking sense.
Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see that the Southampton star would be able to offer Spurs a lot in midfield on and off the ball, which leaves us feeling that they should definitely try and sign him in the summer.