Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker believes James Ward-Prowse will be valued at around the £100million mark by Southampton amid reports linking him a move to Old Trafford.
The England international, who will be hoping to force his way into the Three Lions' squad for the 2022 World Cup later this year, has been nothing short of outstanding for the Saints this season, proving to be a key figure in the long-term philosophy Ralph Hasenhuttl is trying to install at St Mary's. He has scored ten goals and grabbed eight assists in 39 games in all competitions this term.
Renowned for his trademark free-kicks, reported interest in the midfielder's services has soared in recent weeks, with United becoming the latest club to be linked with his signature. Signing a new midfielder is set to be a top priority for United this forthcoming summer, particularly on the defensive side of the operation.
READ MORE: Manchester United's dream 25-man squad including four new signings for Erik ten Hag rebuild
Continuing to go from strength-to-strength, his name is being linked with several big-name clubs ahead of the summer, with the 27-year-old being tipped to replicate his Saints success' for one of the Premier League's leading lights. Therefore, Parker believes the Saints will demand a similar price to what Aston Villa did for Jack Grealish almost a year ago.
"To Southampton, Ward-Prowse is worth £100million," Parker told MyBettingSites. "There is no difference than Man City paying £100 million for Jack Grealish.
"Grealish is not a £100 million player, but he was to Aston Villa. So Southampton want top dollar for him, and what he makes in goals and scores goals definitely keeps Southampton in the Premier League. No doubt about it.
"They can have as many centre-forwards as possible, he makes a difference."
Although Parker is a fan of Ward-Prowse's talents, he does not believe he is the sort of player that United should be targeting this summer. As well as that, he has suggested that he would prove uninspiring for the supporters.
Parker continued: "I think he's another name that's been mentioned because he played well last weekend and made a difference for Southampton to come from behind. Is he what the United fans are looking for? I personally don't think so.
"He's not the kind of a midfield player that they are looking for or they would like to see."
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
