Chelsea and Man Utd behind Newcastle United in race for record-chasing Premier League captain

Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race to complete a summer move for Southampton and England midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

Despite his team’s struggles at the wrong end of the Premier League table, the Saints skipper is enjoying a productive season after scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 29 appearances in all competitions for the South Coast side. His latest goal came via a trademark free-kick that helped boost Southampton’s survival hopes with a surprise win at Chelsea as Ward-Prowse moved just one goal shy of a long-standing record set by former England captain David Beckham.

In beating Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with his first-half effort at Stamford Bridge, the 28-year-old converted his 17th free-kick of his career and that means he is poised to move alongside Beckham as the most proficient free-kick taker in the Premier League era.

Speaking to BBC Sport on Saturday evening, the Saints captain said: "It's an amazing feeling, I've scored better goals than that one, but I was pleased to see it go in. It's good for me to know that with any skill in life, if you work hard for it, you can perfect it.

“When I was a kid doing this in my parents' garden, this was what I dreamed to do. It is great to do it today.”

Although the win at Stamford Bridge undoubtedly aided Southampton’s bid to escape the relegation zone, they do remain deep in trouble with just 15 games remaining in the season. There has been constant speculation linking Ward-Prowse with a move away from the club and that speculation will be further heightened should the Saints drop into the Championship.

Spanish news outlet Fichajes has suggested Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on a summer move for the 11-times capped England star - but reveal Newcastle are the current front-runners to secure his signature as they look to add to their midfield options next season.