---
title: "Signing £13.5m-rated Southampton specialist would help Everton perfectly replace Ross Barkley"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/signing-13-5m-rated-southampton-specialist-would-help-everton-perfectly-replace-ross-barkley/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Adam Simeoni"
section: "Everton"
published: "2018-01-15T14:20:26Z"
modified: "2018-01-15T14:20:26Z"
---

# Signing £13.5m-rated Southampton specialist would help Everton perfectly replace Ross Barkley

**Everton have been much-improved under new boss Sam Allardyce following the former England man’s appointment, but a reality check was thrust upon the Toffees on Saturday, as the club were thumped 4-0 by Tottenham at Wembley Stadium.**

Fans here in The Transfer Tavern could barely watch as their hapless side were torn apart by a rampant Spurs attack, with the chasm between the two sides clear for all to see. Our landlord caught up with the Toffees faithful over a quiet pint to discuss the game, and where Allardyce must improve his squad in the coming weeks and months. Striker Cenk Tosun was signed from Besiktas to provide a new attacking option, but fans couldn’t help but feel their side lacked a little quality in the middle against Mauricio Pochettino’s men. A new central midfielder is what fans want to see, and after his miraculous double against Watford this weekend, fans are keen to see a move for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse funded.

The 23-year-old has been sensational for the Saints this season, and is fast emerging as a potential regular international. The player already has over 150 league appearances to his name despite his tender age, and his performance this weekend was nothing short of breath-taking. Allardyce was forced to sell Ross Barkley this month, and the addition of another young, English prodigy could be the signing the manager must make. Ward-Prowse looks set for big things, and could fulfil his potential at Goodison Park.

Rated at [£13.5m on Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/profil/spieler/181579) and not always a first-team fixture on the South Coast, perhaps the England international could be a realistic target on Merseyside.

**Everton fans, let us know your thoughts!**