Ashley Preece has provided an update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse offer turned down

Villa have been linked with a move for the Saints midfielder for two months now and have actually had a formal offer turned down.

David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed last week that Southampton rejected a £25m offer from Villa for the 26-year-old.

Villa have already done business with the Saints by signing Danny Ings, however, a move for Ward-Prowse looks set to be more complicated.

The Latest: Preece replies to fan

Reliable reporter Preece was asked by a Villa fan on Twitter for an update on Ward-Prowse and Axel Tuanzebe.

He replied, admitting ‘Southampton reluctant to sell’ Ward-Prowse – an interesting four-word update.

Preece, who has over 24,000 followers, got just over 20 likes for his reply, so his update appeared to go under the radar due to the fact he was replying to a fan rather than tweeting it out to the masses.

The Verdict: Another Smith-Rowe situation?

Reports from a Southampton source on Wednesday morning insisted the Saints have no intention to sell Ward-Prowse this summer and will turn down all bids they receive for the England international.

If that is true, Villa could be in line for another scenario similar to Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe.

They had two big-money bids turned down with the Gunners not interested in parting ways with the midfielder, and it seems as if that could be the case in their pursuit of Ward-Prowse.

Will we see the Villains move on to a third English midfield target instead? Todd Cantwell has also been linked.

In other news: 'So scary', 'You what?' - Lots of Aston Villa fans erupt at confirmed news.