---
title: "Aston Villa: Ashley Preece provides James Ward-Prowse update"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-ashley-preece-provides-james-ward-prowse-update/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Aston Villa"
published: "2021-07-10T14:05:50Z"
modified: "2021-07-10T14:05:50Z"
---

# Aston Villa: Ashley Preece provides James Ward-Prowse update

**Reliable journalist [Ashley Preece](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-sarr-grealish-21016733) has provided an update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.**

### The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse links

Ward-Prowse was first [linked](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/06/aston-villa-set-to-make-move-for-southamptons-james-ward-prowse-transfer-window) with a move to the Midlands last month, a day after Villa agreed on a club-record fee with Norwich for Emiliano Buendia.

There have been various reports on the 26-year-old since, including Villa’s hopes to get the Saints captain in [before the start of pre-season](https://www.footballinsider247.com/aston-villa-stepping-up-plan-to-lure-ward-prowse/), along with the player [seemingly being keen on quitting Southampton for Villa](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-ward-prowse-stance-on-quitting-southampton-for-aston-villa-revealed/).

However, a deal is yet to materialise, and it seems as if this transfer rumour could soon be dead in the water.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”363813″\]

### The Latest: Preece’s update

Preece was answering numerous questions from Villa supporters in a Q&A for [Birmingham Live](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-sarr-grealish-21016733) on Friday evening.

One of those was on Ward-Prowse, to which the journalist claimed that the ‘ship has sailed’ on a potential move for the Southampton skipper – a damning three-word admission. Here is the full reply:

> “You’re bang on; ship has sailed. However, it could be intriguing to see how the Danny Ings situation plays out; he’s rejected a new deal wanting to move and, if he does, how will JWP react to that? As it stands, there’s no deal there for Villa, though.”

\[freshpress-poll id=”360431″\]

### The Verdict: Villa prioritising other areas?

Ward-Prowse is [primarily a central midfielder](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/profil/spieler/181579), so perhaps Villa have now moved on to strengthening other parts of their squad. A [number 10 is thought to be a priority](https://twitter.com/greggevans40/status/1410855765104005120) at this moment in time, with [Emile Smith Rowe a top target](https://twitter.com/greggevans40/status/1410855765104005120).

Dean Smith also has just [three senior central defenders](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/aston-villa/kader/verein/405) following [Bjorn Engels’ departure](https://www.bt.com/sport/news/2021/june/bjorn-engels-leaves-aston-villa-for-royal-antwerp-after-19-games-in-two-years), so that could also be another area of concern. Furthermore, Villa have only two [senior goalkeepers in Emiliano Martinez and Jed Steer](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/aston-villa/kader/verein/405) after Tom Heaton left the club, with Wayne Hennessey being [linked](https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2021/07/09/wayne-hennessey-is-an-option-for-aston-villa/) with a move to the Midlands.

The ship seems to have sailed regarding Ward-Prowse according to Preece, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the end of their transfer business this summer.

***In other news: Reliable reporter shares just how much Aston Villa offered for Kalvin Phillips, find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-transfer-rumours/aston-villa-alan-nixon-shares-villas-kalvin-phillips-offer/).***