Aston Villa have reportedly been linked with a move for 28-year-old Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
A report from Football Insider claims that Aston Villa are interested in signing Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse at the end of the season.
Unai Emery wants to add more quality and depth to his squad, and Ward-Prowse could prove to be a quality acquisition. The 28-year-old is at the peak of his career right now, and he could improve Villa immensely. Furthermore, he is well-settled in the Premier League and could make an immediate impact at the West Midlands club.
Villa were linked with a move for Ward-Prowse a couple of seasons ago as well when Dean Smith was in charge of the club. Meanwhile, Villa tried to sign the former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in January. But a move did not materialise in the end.
It remains to be seen whether the West Midlands club can agree on a fee with Southampton for their captain now. Ward-Prowse has been exceptional for Southampton over the last few years, and he has established himself as a reliable Premier League midfielder.
The 28-year-old will feel that this is the right time for him to pursue a new challenge. And Aston Villa are certainly a more ambitious club compared to Southampton. The Englishman could be tempted to work with a top-class coach like Unai Emery next season.
Apart from his exceptional passing range Ward-Prowse is lethal from free-kicks. The 28-year-old is now closing in on the Premier League record for free-kicks. The midfielder has 17 free-kicks in the Premier League, and he is just one away from David Beckham’s record.
The 28-year-old would certainly add a new dimension to the Aston Villa midfield. And it remains to be seen whether the two clubs can come to an agreement during the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, the midfielder has been linked with clubs like Newcastle United, Chelsea and Manchester United as well. All the clubs have more resources compared to Aston Villa. And the West Midlands club will have to move quickly to fend off the competition and secure his services.
