According to The Guardian, Aston Villa are now preparing to launch an ambitious move for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
It’s claimed that Villa have agreed a club-record deal worth more than £30million for Emiliano Buendia, and will now attempt to follow that up by signing Ward-Prowse.
Villa allegedly want a new midfielder, and believe that Ward-Prowse has the quality they need – especially from set pieces.
Would Southampton sell Ward-Prowse?
Probably not. At least not unless it’s big, big money.
Ward-Prowse is not only Southampton’s captain, but also their homegrown hero having been with the club since 2003.
He has even been hailed by Pep Guardiola as the best free kick taker he has ever seen.
The 26-year-old has now made more than 300 appearances for the Saints, and has played in every Premier League game for the last two seasons.
Losing Ward-Prowse would be a terrible message from Southampton, especially to a club who only finished four places above them in the Premier League table.
How did Ward-Prowse fare against Villa last season?
Unbelievably well.
In the game at Villa Park on November 1st, Ward Prowse smashed two goals and an assist. Villa couldn’t handle his dead ball brilliance as they fell to a 4-3 defeat.
Ward-Prowse wasn’t on the scoresheet against Villa on January 30th, but he still recorded three key passes and three tackles won in all all-action display.
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