The Daily Mail have revealed that Tottenham’s pursuit of James Ward-Prowse may be complicated by the fact that the midfielder’s contract does not have a relegation clause.

Ward-Prowse’s days at St Mary’s now look numbered after Southampton‘s relegation to the Championship was sealed on Saturday when they were beaten 2-0 by Fulham.

The Mail suggests that several Premier League clubs are already circling around the Saints captain, including Spurs, West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Premier League

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However, it is explained that the midfielder’s contract does not have a relegation clause, which means Southampton can hold out for the fee that they deem to be acceptable.

The Mail state that the South Coast club are now bracing themselves for offers for Ward-Prowse, with some of the club’s insiders even suggesting that they want to hang on to their talisman.

The report adds that Villa had a £25m offer turned down for the England international last year and Southampton still believe he is worth more than that figure.

Spurs Web Opinion

Given the loyal service that Ward-Prowse has given Southampton, one would not expect the Saints hierarchy to stand in his way if he expresses his intention to leave the club this summer.

I suspect this stance of Southampton is just them playing hardball and that a fee of around £25m-£30m would be enough to prise the 28-year-old away from the South Coast.

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