Aston Villa want £75k-a-week wizard, scored more than Grealish last season

Aston Villa are reportedly in pursuit of Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse.

According to The Athletic, the Villans have made a £25million bid for the England international.

Although the Saints rejected the “derisory” bid, Villa are expected to make a second offer, added the report.

Southampton are apparently reluctant to sell their captain to a direct rival in the Premier League.

Ward-Prowse, their most prized asset, signed a new contract just last year, reportedly worth £75,000-a-week.

Villa are looking to further strengthen their ranks this summer, having already signed Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young.

Aston Villa target Prowse – a player Guardiola has lauded

Ward-Prowse is a talented midfielder who has enjoyed an upward career trajectory in recent years.

As well as becoming Southampton’s captain, he has also broken into the England squad.

Indeed, Gareth Southgate’s decision not to include him in the Euro 2020 squad proved controversial.

Ward-Prowse scored nine goals in all competitions for his club last season – more than Jack Grealish, who got seven – and registered seven assists.

The 26-year-old earned huge praise from Pep Guardiola last December after Manchester City beat Southampton 1-0.

“They have the best free-kick taker I have seen in my life in [James] Ward-Prowse,” Guardiola told BBC Sport, via Goal.com.