Aston Villa eye a swoop for midfield marvel: Can he propel them into the top half?

Aston Villa are reportedly lining up a bid for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse. Villa manager Dean Smith is keen on bolstering his side’s midfield ahead of the new season and sees Ward-Prowse as the ideal fit.

According to Football Insider, the 26-year-old England international is one of Villa’s top priorities this summer, with the club set to make an offer in the coming weeks.

Ward-Prowse, a product of Southampton’s academy, has developed into one of the finest central midfielders in the Premier League. He has a fearsome reputation from set-pieces and would boost Villa’s attacking firepower.

Villa will, however, have to shell out a sizeable fee if they are to secure Ward-Prowse’s services. He still has four years left on his current deal that he signed with the Saints in August last year.

Can Ward-Prowse’s arrival propel Villa into the top half?

Villa boss Dean Smith is on the lookout for a midfielder with plenty of Premier League experience and Ward-Prowse fits the bill. The 26-year-old has made over 300 appearances for the Saints since his debut in 2011, scoring 33 goals and providing 40 assists. His set-piece expertise, in particular, makes him an attractive option for Villa.

With the likes of Jack Grealish, Emiliano Buendia and John McGinn capable of winning fouls in dangerous areas, Ward-Prowse’s abilities from dead-ball situations will prove particularly useful.

The England midfielder netted four times from direct free-kicks in the 2020-21 campaign — the only Premier League player to manage more than one — including two in a 4-3 win at Villa Park. He also chipped in with seven assists. He will also add plenty of energy and tenacity to the Villa midfield.

The 26-year-old played every minute of the last Premier League season for Southampton and earned a call-up to England’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2020, but did not make the final cut.

According to Football Insider, Ward-Prowse is open to a move to Villa, who he views as an upgrade to Southampton. Dean Smith’s big-spending side, who finished 11th last season, are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of a push for a top-10 spot. They have already signed the likes Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young this summer and have also seen offers for Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe rejected.

Ward-Prowse’s arrival can certainly aid them in their quest for a top-half finish and potentially a European spot.