Southampton: £100k-a-week star 'won't jump ship' if they stay up at St Mary's | OneFootball

Southampton star James Ward-Prowse is unlikely to 'jump ship' if Premier League action remains at St Mary's next season, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

Saints, who are still on the lookout for a permanent successor to Nathan Jones after the Welsh manager was sacked earlier this month, are in serious danger of dropping into the Championship after finding themselves bottom of the top flight.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have reignited their interest in Ward-Prowse and are keeping tabs on his situation ahead of the transfer window reopening in the summer.

GiveMeSport VIDEO OF THE DAY

Play Video

The report suggests the Southampton captain is being eyed by the Midlands outfit after head coach Unai Emery failed to strengthen his central midfield options last month.

Villa are long-term admirers of Ward-Prowse and were unsuccessful when they lodged a £25million bid just over 18 months ago.

But respected journalist Jones recently told GiveMeSport that the England international would be left with no option but to move onto pastures new if Southampton are relegated to the second tier this season.

Saints were unwilling to entertain bids for Ward-Prowse, who has also been on West Ham United's radar, during the January window.

What has Dean Jones said about Ward-Prowse?

Jones believes Ward-Prowse will remain loyal to Southampton and not agitate for a summer switch if he succeeds in keeping his current employers in the Premier League.

However, the transfer insider warns that stance is likely to change if Saints, who are currently under the guidance of caretaker manager Ruben Selles, are consigned to the Championship.

Jones told GiveMeSport: "He has been loyal so far. If Saints stay up, I really don't think he'll jump ship. I think he'll be happy to see this through.

"If they're relegated though, he's going to be looking at a really awkward situation."

What is Ward-Prowse's contract situation?

According to Spotrac, Ward-Prowse still has just shy of three-and-a-half years remaining on his £100,000-per-week Southampton agreement.

That means Saints are in a strong negotiating position if Villa, West Ham or another interested party looks to test their resolve in the coming months.

Ward-Prowse emphasised his loyalty to Southampton by penning his current contract just a matter of weeks after Villa failed with a big-money offer in 2021.

The fresh terms resulted in the 28-year-old becoming the south coast club's highest earner and he has continued to shine.

Southampton's grip on Ward-Prowse, who has made close to 400 appearances since coming through the ranks, will strengthen if they fend off relegation.