Clinton Morrison told Sky Sports News (21/08/21) that he thought James Ward-Prowse was going to sign for Aston Villa.
The England midfielder was the subject of interest and then a £25 million bid from Villa, who have already signed a Southampton player this summer in Danny Ings.
And whilst many were wondering what move Ward-Prowse was going to make, the £50 million-rated player showed loyalty to his boyhood club and penned down a new deal.
Former Crystal Palace and Birmingham striker Morrison admitted that he thought Ward-Prowse’s head was turned amid the interest.
“Villa were knocking at the door and they have bought some good players,” said Morrison.
“With Ward-Prowse, your head would definitely be turned to go to Aston Villa because they have signed some top players.
“And, for me, Villa will finish ahead of Southampton. I was surprised (that he signed a new deal).
“I think his set-pieces are fantastic. He is a really good midfielder. He knows the position inside out. But I was surprised because Villa were knocking. I was thinking he would go to Villa.”
There’s no doubt that Southampton needed Ward-Prowse more than Villa need him.
The Saints have already lost Ings this summer, who scored an overhead kick on his home debut on Saturday.
And centre-back Jannik Vestergaard also swapped the South Coast for the Midlands, but he ended up at Leicester.
Either way, with many tipping Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side to struggle this season, keeping Ward-Prowse on their books is a big plus.
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