Aston Villa are prepared to break their transfer record again this summer for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, should Jack Grealish leave the club, according to Football Insider.

Both Grealish and Ward-Prowse have been linked with exits from their respective clubs in recent weeks.

Manchester City are thought to be preparing a bid for Grealish following this summer’s European Championships. It is likely to cost City £100m to stand a chance of signing the 25-year-old, who has told friends he would be keen on an Etihad move.

Meanwhile, Villa were linked with Ward-Prowse at the start of the month.

The set-piece specialist is thought to be open to quitting St Mary’s for Villa Park prior to the new season, with Villa owners Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris hoping to have the 26-year-old through the door before pre-season begins.

The Latest: Source shares update

According to Football Insider, who have been informed by a recruitment source, Villa have been prepared for a possible Grealish exit.

Ward-Prowse isn’t viewed as a direct replacement for the Villa captain, however, the club are willing to place a massive bid for the midfielder, exceeding the club-record deal for Emiliano Buendia, should Grealish depart.

The Saints captain was described as ‘spectacular’ by Alex McLeish earlier this month and is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt.

The Verdict: It could take a huge fee

Going off Ward-Prowse’s Transfermarkt valuation and the fact he still has four years left on his Southampton deal, you’d expect the Saints would be reluctant to sell, to what they may see as a direct Premier League rival.

The fact Ward-Prowse appears keen on a move to the Midlands could twist their arm when it comes to a move, though, however, the Saints still hold the power, as Villa do with Grealish.

It may end up taking a bid well over £30m to bring the midfielder to Villa, but should Grealish leave, Ward-Prowse would certainly be able to replace his quality from dead-ball scenarios, as Villa fans will know after his two free-kicks at Villa Park last season.

In other news: Ashley Preece drops exciting Villa transfer update, find out more here.