Newcastle United will have set their sights on signing Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse when the transfer window reopens in January, according to Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy.
The Magpies have profited from an injection of cash thanks to a £305million takeover earlier this month, which has propelled them into becoming the richest club in the world.
What's the latest news involving Ward-Prowse?
It has been reported that Newcastle are plotting a January move for Ward-Prowse as they enter a new era.
The Magpies would not be the only club to have shown an interest in Ward-Prowse in recent months as Aston Villa saw a £25million bid rejected by Southampton during the summer transfer window.
Saints reacted to Villa's pursuit by tying their captain down to a new five-year contract, meaning they hold the upper-hand in negotiations should any club look to strike a deal.
Despite committing his long-term future to Southampton, Ward-Prowse's £45,000-per-week salary means he is still not among the highest earners in Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from St Mary's after scoring nine goals and grabbing a further seven assists in 44 appearances last season.
However, that form was not enough for Ward-Prowse to claim a place in England's final squad for Euro 2020.
What has Liam Kennedy said about Ward-Prowse?
Kennedy believes Newcastle cannot afford to splash the cash and transform their team with big-name signings during the January transfer window.
That is despite the Magpies being taken over by a consortium led by the Public Investment Fund and also comprising of PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.
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Newcastle are still searching for their first win of the season and, as a result, Kennedy feels the Tynesiders could look to bolster their squad by securing the services of some of the best players currently on the books of Premier League rivals.
The journalist reckons Ward-Prowse is the calibre of player Newcastle will be looking to sign.
He told GIVEMESPORT: "You may see them looking to the likes of Southampton and questioning can we get James Ward-Prowse? Can we get those level of players?"
How has Ward-Prowse performed so far this season?
Ward-Prowse, who is valued at £28.8million by Transfermarkt, went into the campaign having not missed a single minute of the last two Premier League terms.
However, a red card at Chelsea earlier this month means he has been restricted to seven top flight appearances this season.
He scored his second England goal as he won his ninth cap during the World Cup qualifying win over Andorra during the recent international break.
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