'I'm actually delighted': Some Aston Villa fans react after missing out on 'world class' reported target

Aston Villa have been linked with James Ward-Prowse over the past few weeks.

The Athletic reported in late July that the Villans made a £25million bid for the Southampton captain.

Ward-Prowse’s club rejected the “derisory” offer but Villa were expected to launch another bid, added the report.

Southampton v Everton - Premier League — Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images

Nothing more came of it, however, and on Thursday, Saints confirmed that the 26-year-old had signed a new contract at St Mary’s.

After penning his new deal, Ward-Prowse referenced interest in him from another club.

“It’s probably the first time in my career that I’ve had that link away and that talk,” he said.

“But I think I was very keen to sit down and talk to the club and it’s worked both ways.

“They’ve sat down and told me their admiration for me and the way they want me to lead the team.

“And this club has done so much for me, I can’t put into the words the opportunities and chances that they’ve given me and I’m incredibly grateful for the club for doing that.”

And while some Villa fans are disappointed, they’re also pleased to see Ward-Prowse show loyalty to the club where he came through the ranks.

Here is some Aston Villa fan reaction on Twitter:

I have to say as much as I’d genuinely love JWP at villa, I’m actually delighted to see his loyalty to Southampton. Great club and they deserve it after all the departures they’ve had to put up with down the years. #avfc #saintsfc
— Sean 🦁🇮🇪 (@Gallie75) August 19, 2021

View Tweet

Can’t argue with this. Well done JWP. #AVFC https://t.co/WAuJuD1fwN
— Adam R 🦁💜💙 (@AdamDeuce) August 19, 2021

View Tweet

Let's be honest JWP just loves them 0-9's & he weren't gonna get them at the Villa 😆😆👍🏻 #AVFC #UTV
— Tommy🦁F (@TommyF_AVFC) August 19, 2021

View Tweet

Good lord. There’s a few know it all’s and doom & gloom merchants on Villa Twitter ain’t there? Always the same ones!

ESR and JWP aren’t the best players in the league are they? Villa tested the waters and refused to pay over the odds or bid further. It’s smart business. #avfc
— NerdyVillan🤓 (@Geri_Nerd) August 20, 2021

View Tweet

JWP has done a U-Turn. Oh well. He’s chose to stay with a club finishing 13-17th than go with a club who will finish in the top 8. Wrong move. We move on #avfc #saintsfc 😉😂 Cantwell it is then.
— AVFC Till We Die 🦁 (@AVFCTillWeDie) August 19, 2021

View Tweet

Disappointed that JWP has signed a new long term contract with Southampton, I would have loved to have seen him at Villa but you’ve got to admire his loyalty to his boyhood club #AVFC #southamptonfc #jamesward-prowse
— Nicola Adams (@Villanikki) August 19, 2021

View Tweet

Really wanted JWP at #AVFC this season, regardless of Jack’s situation.
I think he's World class and should definitely be an England regular.
In a world of money and greed he has shown great loyalty to HIS club.
All the best to him and #saints this season. #UTV
— Best_Mate (@Best_Mate_1874) August 19, 2021

View Tweet

Huge respect to Ward Prowse for sticking to @SouthamptonFC during what will be a difficult season for them.
We still trust Lange and the recruitment team to sort out the DM before the window closes. #avfc #SaintsFC
— Himalayan Villans (@avfcnepal) August 20, 2021

View Tweet

Genuinely think Ward Prowse being out of the equation now is irrelevant to #avfc. Set pieces aside, he's not the type of midfielder we're lacking in truth. Would far rather we go for a physical enforcer – if not now then next summer.
— Villa Views (@VillaViews_) August 19, 2021

View Tweet

News

‘I’m actually delighted’: Some Aston Villa fans react after missing out on ‘world class’ reported target

Here is some Aston Villa fan reaction on Twitter:

Follow us on

News

‘I’m actually delighted’: Some Aston Villa fans react after missing out on ‘world class’ reported target

Here is some Aston Villa fan reaction on Twitter: