Southampton's James Ward-Prowse 'interested in Aston Villa move'

Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse is reportedly interested in a move to Aston Villa, amid links with the West Midlands club.

The Saints midfielder is believed to be a top target for Dean Smith this summer as Villa prepare to spend big money to build upon their 11th-placed finish last season.

Villa have already broken their transfer fee record with the £33m capture of Norwich City playmaker Emiliano Buendia, and recently re-signed Ashley Young from Inter Milan on a free transfer.

According to Football Insider, Ward-Prowse is said to believe a move to Aston Villa would be an upgrade on Southampton, where he still has four years left to run on his current contract.

It will seemingly take a significant fund to persuade Southampton to sell their set-piece specialist, after he started all 38 Premier League matches last season and scored eight goals, providing seven assists for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.

The 26-year-old graduated from the Saints academy when he made his senior debut in 2011 and has gone on to make 322 appearances for the club.