Southampton REJECT Aston Villa’s opening £25m bid for James Ward-Prowse

Southampton REJECT Aston Villa’s opening £25m bid for James Ward-Prowse as Dean Smith looks to strengthen his midfield with Man City closing in on the £100m signing of his star man and captain Jack Grealish

  • Aston Villa are pressing ahead with their interest in James Ward-Prowse 
  • The Southampton midfielder played every game last season and impressed
  • Villa tabled an opening bid of £25m for the Saints skipper, but it was rejected 
  • They will likely go in again, aiming to strengthen amid Jack Grealish uncertaintt
  • Man City are closing in on Grealish after making an offer of up to £100m

Aston Villa have had a £25m bid for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse rejected.

Villa have firmed up their interest in England central midfielder Ward-Prowse but seen their opening offer rebuffed.

Southampton are determined to hold onto Ward-Prowse, who last year signed a new five-year deal tying him to the St Mary’s club until 2025.

Aston Villa have tested Southampton’s resolve with a £25million bid for James Ward-Prowse

After a fine season for the Saints, the midfielder just missed out on England's Euros squad

After a fine season for the Saints, the midfielder just missed out on England’s Euros squad 

Though Villa have money to spend and are weighing up an improved offer to test Southampton’s resolve a second time.

For the second campaign running, Ward-Prowse played every single minute of the Premier League for Southampton and scored nine times and set up eight more goals in his most productive season.

He has made over 300 appearances for Southampton since coming through their youth system and established himself as the poster boy for their famed academy.

Villa are battling to retain their own skipper Jack Grealish, subject of a £100m move from Manchester City.

Villa have made their move for Ward-Prowse with Man City pushing to sign Jack Grealish

Villa have made their move for Ward-Prowse with Man City pushing to sign Jack Grealish

At the same time, they are continuing efforts to improve their squad.

They have added Emi Buendia, for £33m from Norwich, and Ashley Young on a free so far this summer.

And, amid the interest in Grealish, they are targeting Norwich’s Todd Cantwell and Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey along with Ward-Prowse.

In a further sign of their ambition this window, Villa also made two bids for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe, which were both knocked back before he signed a new five-year deal to remain at The Emirates.

Ward-Prowse is currently preparing for the new season with Saints, who are eager to keep him

Ward-Prowse is currently preparing for the new season with Saints, who are eager to keep him

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