Aston Villa latest news: Villa could return for ‘fantastic’ Premier League star after deal collapsed
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Aston Villa could look to sign James Ward-Prowse next year after failing in his attempts to sideline the Southampton midfielder during the summer transfer window, according to Express & Star reporter Luke Hatfield.
What’s the latest news from Ward-Prowse?
Villa saw a Offer of £ 25million for England international midfielder Ward-Prowse dismissed by Southampton in July.
Boss Dean Smith has confirmed his interest in Ward-Prowse, who lack on Gareth Southgate’s final squad for England’s Euro 2020 campaign, after seeing offers for creative Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe refuse.
Ward-Prowse, who is valued at £ 27million by Transfer market, became an important figure on Villa’s radar after playing every minute in each of the last two Premier League campaigns, but the Saints were keen to retain their captain.
he notched nine goals, including a pair of free kicks in Southampton’s 4-3 win at Villa Park, and seven assists as he showed his devastating abilities in deadball situations last season.
But Villa failed to secure a deal before the transfer deadline expired at the end of last month and they suffered a heavy blow in their hopes of signing Ward-Prowse when the window reopens in January after the 26-year-old wrote a new five year contract.
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What did Luke Hatfield say about Ward-Prowse?
Although he has seen Ward-Prowse pledge his long-term future with the Saints, the Villa Hatfield reporter believes the midfielder remains on Smith’s wishlist and as a result another offer could be considered l ‘next summer.
He believes Villa will look to cash in if Southampton fails to capitalize on a promising campaign, especially after seeing key men Jannik Vestergaard let for Leicester City and Danny Ings to rejoin South Coast Club Villa during the recently closed transfer window.
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Hatfield told GMS: “It could be the one they revisit if Southampton struggles this season or should they fall after losing some key players.
“He’s obviously a fantastic player and Villa cared about him a lot, but things didn’t turn out.”
How has Ward-Prowse performed this season?
Ward-Prowse played every minute of Southampton’s Premier League campaign so far and scored his first goal, from a penalty kick, in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United last month.
The central midfielder, who won eight international selections and scored a lone goal for England at senior level, also caught two assists as the saints recorded the biggest away win in their history thanks to an 8-0 loss for League Two from Newport County in the second round of the League Cup.
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