Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has "handcuffed" himself at St Mary's after signing a new five-year contract last August, says talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Englishman is currently being linked with some of the biggest clubs in the country, but Crook has his doubts about a transfer taking place this summer due to him not having a release clause in his current deal.

What is the latest news involving Ward-Prowse?

At the start of the month, The Sun claimed that Manchester United's new boss Erik ten Hag wants to bring Ward-Prowse to Old Trafford.

The same outlet states that United's rivals Manchester City are also fans of the 27-year-old, who could potentially cost £75m in the upcoming transfer window.

It is not just the two Manchester clubs who seem to be interested in Ward-Prowse, however.

According to the Daily Star, Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle United are also keen, so the Southampton captain clearly has quite the fan club right now.

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What has Crook said about Ward-Prowse and Southampton?

While a lot of outfits seemingly want Ward-Prowse this summer, Crook thinks he has handcuffed himself at Southampton after signing that new £100,000-week long-term deal last year.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the talkSPORT reporter said: "Ward-Prowse, he's handcuffed himself a bit in the way that Wilfried Zaha has at Palace because he signed a contract, six-figure salary, Southampton's highest-paid player ever, with no release clause.

"Unless someone's going to pay £75m, there's no desire on Southampton's part to sell him, and it'd be difficult for him to force his way out having signed such a long-term deal."

Is Ward-Prowse really trapped at Southampton?

Trapped probably is not the word you would use, as Ward-Prowse clearly loves Southampton, his boyhood club. However, if he does want to leave, there does not seem to be a way out this summer because of that contract, while manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is also understandably reluctant to let him go.

"He has another four years on his contract here, he is happy here, he is our captain and he will stay here," the Austrian was quoted as saying by the Daily Echo earlier this month as he discussed the speculation surrounding his skipper.

"We have him here as our captain and it is important that we are as a team successful and make steps forward."

Ward-Prowse has had a truly fine season, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists in 36 Premier League appearances. On WhoScored, he is the Saints' highest-rated player, recording a score of 7.01.

The above saw the England international nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award, showing how well he played this campaign, so it is no surprise that Hasenhuttl is desperate to keep hold of him.

From a Southampton perspective, hopefully Ward-Prowse remains at St Mary's this summer and beyond.