Aston Villa have been tipped to make a move to sign James Ward-Prowse if Southampton are relegated from the Premier League, with the Saints currently sat bottom of the table.
According to journalist Dean Jones, Unai Emery’s side could make an attempt sign the England international if the south coast club drop out of the top-flight and back down to the Championship, with Ward-Prowse likely to leave Southampton if such an event happens.
The 28-year-old midfielder has often been linked with an exit from St. Mary’s, yet Ward-Prowse has remained faithful to his boyhood club, where he is currently their highest earner at £100,000-a-week, yet Villa could now sign the set-piece wizard in the summer.
Jones said: “If Southampton got relegated, then I think it would definitely appeal to him. It would be hard not to have your head turned by a big project in his situation and Villa will feel that they might be able to do exactly that [turn his head].”
Indeed, with Villa already having some good midfield options in Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Douglas Luiz, adding Ward-Prowse to the mix would be quite the move for Emery, who could have the options needed to push for a European spot next season.
As well as overall quality, Ward-Prowse’s leadership qualities and Premier League experience would make the midfielder a perfect summer signing for Villa, who could land themselves a bargain deal if Southampton end up relegated come the end of the season.
Ward-Prowse signing for Villa would be genius from Emery
Villa’s moves in the market have often been excellent on paper yet often failed to impress overall when it comes to results and points on the board. Yet Ward-Prowse would be a signing that could mean genuine growth for the Birmingham-based side, and Emery would be a genius for pulling off such a deal.
As we know, Emery has the reputation to attract a lot of big-name players to Villa this summer, and the Spanish manager landing Ward-Prowse would be a masterstroke from the former Arsenal boss, who could add real quality to his midfield in the Southampton captain.
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