James Ward-Prowse does NOT have a relegation release clause in his Southampton deal – with the Saints now bracing for bids amid interest from Aston Villa, West Ham and Spurs
- Ward-Prowse signed a new deal last year which is not due to expire until 2026
- Saints want to keep him but there will be interest from Premier League clubs
- The club’s fate was sealed last weekend as defeat at Fulham sent them down
James Ward-Prowse’s contract does not contain a relegation release clause but Southampton are braced for bids for their club captain this summer.
Ward-Prowse, 28, signed a new deal last year which is not due to expire until 2026.
Mail Sport can reveal that did not include a clause which would allow the midfielder to leave for a set fee in the event of Premier League relegation — a fate that was sealed after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Fulham.
Saints insiders say they want to keep Ward-Prowse, who is admired by Aston Villa, West Ham and Tottenham.
Villa had a £25million bid turned down last year. Southampton still believe he is worth more than that figure but they will have to consider any serious offers.
Ward-Prowse’s wages — said to be £100,000 per week — would be pricy in the second tier with no guarantee of an immediate return to the Premier League.
James Ward-Prowse’s Southampton contract does not contain a relegation release clause
The Saints were relegated from the Premier League on Saturday following defeat by Fulham
Source: Read Full Article
Erik ten Hag fires dig at Man Utd board over transfer approach
Leicester fans spotted fighting in stands as Premier League relegation confirmed
Ajax star goes loco and punches fan after team-mate was ‘racially abused’
Alba, Busquets bid tearful farewell to Camp Nou
Roy Keane tells Man Utd to sell undroppable ‘that won’t win Ten Hag trophies’