Major update on Aston Villa bid to sign Ward-Prowse amid Sanson and Luiz latest
Aston Villa have made an approach for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse amid doubts over two of their midfielders, Football Insider understands.
Dean Smith has been unimpressed by the £16million January signing of Morgan Sanson and there are doubts over Douglas Luiz’s future.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider Villa have registered their interest in Ward-Prowse as they plan for potential midfield changes.
The Midlands big spenders’ interest is concrete but a potential deal is still in its early stages.
The Southampton star still has four years left to run on the contract he signed in August 2020.
Villa's pursuit comes just months after they signed Sanson from Olympique Marseille in January.
As revealed by Football Insider (25th March), Aston Villa chiefs fear they made a mistake signing the 26-year-old as he is difficult to manage.
It is understood he also lacks the technical quality desired by Smith in the centre of the park.
Sanson made nine appearances for Villa before picking up an injury that ruled him out for the season.
However, only three of those came as starts and he failed to play more than 67 minutes in a game.
Meanwhile, there are also doubts over Douglas Luiz's long-term future.
The Brazilian has been a mainstay for Smith since joining from Manchester City in 2019.
However, it is widely reported City have a buyback clause for the 23-year-old.
The Manchester Evening News claim the £27.5million clause expires this month.
Luiz started 32 of a possible 38 Premier League games during the recently-concluded campaign.
Smith also has Marvelous Nakamba, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey as midfield options.