Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern on James Ward-Prowse's future, former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer thinks he could have a release clause in his new contract.

Ward-Prowse was the subject of heavy interest from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window, with the Midlands club reportedly having a £25m bid turned down for the player.

The 26-year-old then went on to sign a new five-year deal while the window was still open to put an end to all the speculation, but Palmer reckons he could still leave in the near future and believes his latest contract may have a release clause in it.

"I think what's happened with James is Aston Villa were in for him and a few other clubs, but nobody met the valuation that Southampton had on him," the ex-Saint said.

"If the club comes in, offers you a new contract, they safeguard themselves by signing him on a new long-term contract, they put in a release clause of whatever that may be.

"I'm sure clubs will revisit Southampton over him time and time again. The release clause, I'm sure it will come out."

All things considered, Southampton will probably be glad to see the back of the 2021 summer transfer window after being forced to sell a couple of key players.

During it, they lost both Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard to Premier League rivals and could have also watched Ward-Prowse depart.