Aston Villa expert claims James Ward-Prowse will be a ‘great signing’ after source’s reveal
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed James Ward-Prowse would not be guaranteed a starting berth if he joined Aston Villa this summer.
The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 28-year-old is not a clear upgrade on the likes of Boubacar Kamara or John McGinn and would need to “fight for his place”.
Sources told this site last month (19 February) that Aston Villa remain keen on signing Ward-Prowse and are keeping tabs on his situation at Southampton.
The Midlands giants attempted to sign the England international in 2021 – but the Saints were able to tie him down to a fresh five-year contract.
However, Southampton are bottom of the Premier League and four points from safety with 14 games to play.
Ward-Prowse has notched eight goals and three assists in 31 appearances as an ever-present for the south coast club this season.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “I wouldn’t say he’d be an upgrade on anything Villa have..
“He would be a great addition to the squad, but I’m not sure he’d be guaranteed to start every week.
“With Kamara, Ramsey, Luiz and McGinn already at the club, that’s already quite a good set of options in the midfield.
“I think it would be a good signing to bring him in, but I can’t see where he slots into that midfield straight away. He’d have to fight for his place.”
Ward-Prowse has scored 17 free-kicks in the top flight since his debut in 2012, leaving him just one away from David Beckham’s Premier League record.
He earns a reported wage of £100,000-a-week at Southampton.
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