Being loyal to your hometown club is one of those things that deserves a lot of respect, but it’s becoming less common with every passing season – especially at the highest level. More often, players see their professional paths separate from the trajectory of the club they hold close to their hearts. The latest in that line will likely be Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse.##NAJAVA_MECA_7198407##As the Saints look destined for the EFL Championship, two clubs have made their intentions known – Newcastle United and Aston Villa are ready to extend Ward-Prowse’s stay in the top division. The 28-year-old midfielder is keen to keep his chances of being picked by the national team alive, so he feels that playing in the second tier is unacceptable.James Ward-Prowse • Southampton Legend #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/zQTDjtBJkb— Mark (@SFCMW_) April 20, 2023 Newcastle and Villa will likely qualify for European competitions next season, with the Magpies on course for a spot in the UEFA Champions League, the continent’s most reputable tournament. Eddie Howe’s team needs an upgrade in midfield as it is, and the 28-year-old free-kick artist would fit in nicely with the hard-energy team that’s being developed at St. James’ Park. Newcastle sold long-serving central midfielder Jonjo Shelvey in January without replacing him, so they are certain to look for options in the market regardless of the position they finish in.Aston Villa are also enjoying a period of revival under the guidance of Unai Emery, the former PSG, Arsenal and Villarreal coach. He is the kind of coach who likes to have highly technical box-to-box midfielders in his ranks – and the Saints’ fan favourite fits the bill. He is searching for a midfielder to partner double-pivot options John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7198426##Ward-Prowse has been the cornerstone of Southampton’s team for over a decade and has gained a reputation of one of the fittest and reliable midfielders in the Premier League – and a guy who is a natural-born leader and role model. In short, he is a class act. And although no club from the so-called “big six” is currently interested, Ward-Prowse could still taste another level of competition against opponents from around Europe. However, he’ll first do everything he can to keep his beloved Southampton in the league.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 32Friday22:00: (1.20) Arsenal (6.75) Southampton (14.0)Saturday14:30: (2.45) Fulham (3.50) Leeds (3.05)17:00: (2.60) Brentford (3.35) Aston Villa (2.90)17:00: (2.15) Crystal Palace (3.30) Everton (3.90)17:00: (2.50) Leicester (3.35) Wolverhampton (3.05)17:00: (1.20) Liverpool (7.75) Nott.Forest (16.0)Sunday16:00: (2.95) Bournemouth (3.25) West Ham (2.65)16:00: (1.90) Newcastle (3.50) Tottenham (4.10)***odds are subject to change***
