BBC PUNDIT Garth Crooks has questioned Liverpool “how long are you going to wait to buy James Ward-Prowse?” and adds that the Saints midfielder would “fit like a glove”.

The former Tottenham Hotspur forward has sent manager Jurgen Klopp a clear message about what they need to improve their faltering side.

He believes that Saints’ 27-year-old captain would be the perfect replacement for midfielders that have departed Anfield, like Netherlands international Georginio Wijnaldum.

Liverpool are second in the Premier League with a game in hand on Manchester City at the summit, however they already find themselves 11 points behind.

Crooks, whose interesting team of the week and team of the season picks always seem to go viral on social media, made these comments in the wake of Ward-Prowse’s free-kick vs Wolves.

Daily Echo: BBC pundit Garth Crooks (Pic: PA)BBC pundit Garth Crooks (Pic: PA)

“The free-kick scored by Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse against Wolves was outstanding, though,” he told BBC.

“How long are Liverpool going to wait to buy Ward-Prowse?

“They allowed Georginio Wijnaldum to leave on a free transfer and are struggling in that midfield department. Ward-Prowse would fit like a glove.”

Ward-Prowse has six goals in 19 Premier League matches this campaign and is on his way to his most prolific season.

The midfielder has battled back from injury and illness at the start of the campaign to produce even further improved performances.

His sumptuous free-kick in the 3-1 defeat at the Molineux was his sixth goal contribution in five matches (four goals, two assists).

Liverpool have been struggling to inspire their lofty standards with a midfield consisting of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner.

Ward-Prowse would offer more going forward but, not mentioned by Crooks, has a five-year contract with Saints that runs until 2026.

The skipper signed that deal in summer to ward off interest from the likes of Aston Villa.