---
title: "Aston Villa: Villains willing to break record for Ward-Prowse"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-villains-willing-to-break-record-for-ward-prowse/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Aston Villa"
published: "2021-06-26T13:10:07Z"
modified: "2021-06-26T13:10:07Z"
---

# Aston Villa: Villains willing to break record for Ward-Prowse

**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](https://www.footballinsider247.com/aston-villa-will-bid-for-ward-prowse-grealish/).**

### The Lowdown: Grealish, Ward-Prowse links

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](https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1408370692710612993). 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](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-grealish-tells-friends-his-updated-stance-on-quitting-aston-villa-for-man-city-this-summer/).

Meanwhile, Villa were [linked](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/06/aston-villa-set-to-make-move-for-southamptons-james-ward-prowse-transfer-window) 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](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-ward-prowse-stance-on-quitting-southampton-for-aston-villa-revealed/) 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](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-ward-prowse-stance-on-quitting-southampton-for-aston-villa-revealed/).

\[freshpress-quiz id=”359416″\]

### The Latest: Source shares update

According to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/aston-villa-will-bid-for-ward-prowse-grealish/), 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](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ex-manager-excited-as-aston-villa-reportedly-plot-spectacular-ward-prowse-bid/) and is valued at [£27m by Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/profil/spieler/181579).

\[freshpress-poll id=”363303″\]

### The Verdict: It could take a huge fee

Going off Ward-Prowse’s [Transfermarkt valuation](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/profil/spieler/181579) and the fact he still has [four years left on his Southampton deal](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/profil/spieler/181579), 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](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54679346).

***In other news: Ashley Preece drops exciting Villa transfer update, find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-transfer-rumours/aston-villa-ashley-preece-expects-two-or-three-more-signings/).***