Aston Villa could make a club record move for 26-yr-old if key star leaves – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Aston Villa have been linked with a move for the Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse in recent weeks.
According to Football Insider, the West Midlands club could make a club-record bid to sign the player if Jack Grealish decides to move on.
Grealish is reportedly a target for Manchester City this summer and the Premier League champions are prepared to bid around £100 million to sign the England international.
Villa have already signed a quality attacking midfielder in Emiliano Buendia and the signing of Ward-Prowse would improve them further.
Ideally, the Premier League side will want to hold on to Grealish, who has been their best player for a while. However, a potential move to Manchester City could be tempting for the Aston Villa midfielder.
Grealish has proven himself with the West Midlands club and he deserves to play at a higher level and City will be able to provide him with regular Champions League football.
Furthermore, the opportunity to work alongside one of the best managers in world football in Pep Guardiola will only help the 25-year-old improve as a footballer.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Southampton midfielder has four years left on his current contract and the Saints are under no pressure to cash in on him just yet. Villa will have to pay a premium price for his services.
Ward-Prowse is a key player for Southampton and he scored 9 goals and picked up 7 assists this past season.
It will be difficult for Villa to find a direct replacement for Grealish and strengthening the side as a whole would be the correct approach.
The signings of Buendia and Ward-Prowse will add creativity and goals to the side. Dean Smith must look to add some depth to his striking department as well.
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Author:Sai