Jobi McAnuff says West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur transfer target James Ward-Prowse will leave Southampton this summer.
According to Sky Sports, the former EFL player and analyst questioned the transfer window remaining open after the new season began, as is the situation with Southampton in the Championship.
Following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League last season, it was evident that its key players would be in high demand, and their captain, James Ward-Prowse, is no exception.
With Declan Rice departing West Ham United this summer, it was no surprise to hear that David Moyes wanted the 28-year-old to join him.
But there are also claims that Tottenham could possibly ‘hijack’ a deal for the set-piece expert. He provided a game-winning assist against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night.
If Ward-Prowse stays in the Championship, then he will cook the league alive, but McAnuff is now expecting him to go amid those interests from West Ham and Spurs.
“Where is the trade-off in trying to maximise what you are trying to get for a player, which I can understand and then absolutely getting that business done, so Russell Martin can crack on,” said McAnuff. 
“James Ward-Prowse will leave, so from that point of view, a call needs to be made. Yes, you want to get your value. But you have to give Russel Martin, the best chance of succeeding.”
Should Ward-Prowse join West Ham or Tottenham?
First and foremost, the player is nearing the end of his career and entering his prime years. He doesn’t have time to think.
Regular minutes must be on the table, as well as the hope that he can still advance in his career.
In reality, he plays regularly for both clubs; Rice has left the London Stadium, and there is talk of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leaving Tottenham.
But West Ham can offer Europa League action, which may be enough to sway the decision – Clinton Morrison urged the ‘great’ midfielder to join the Hammers in July, as he told Sky Sports.
