Midfielder has become renowned for set-piece prowess Villa already agreed club-record fee for Emiliano BuendíaAston Villa are set to make a move for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, a day after agreeing a club-record £30m-plus deal to sign Emiliano Buendía from Norwich. Dean Smith is eager to complete transfers as quickly as possible as Villa prepare for another season of progress in the Premier League.
Villa are understood to be keen to bolster their midfield and Ward-Prowse’s set-piece prowess, in particular, would boost their attacking armoury. That would prove especially useful if opponents continue to bring down Jack Grealish, who has been the most fouled player in the
Premier League for each of the last two seasons – despite missing 12 league matches with a shin injury last season.