Former Premier League striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes that signing for Aston Villa would be a step in the right direction for James Ward-Prowse, who Football Insider's Kevin Phillips believes would cost £35m+.

On the back of another excellent season for Southampton, in which he was one of just three ever-present outfield players, the midfielder has been strongly linked with a switch to Villa Park.

Ward-Prowse managed eight Premier League goals, his best career return, whilst he also added seven assists which meant he contributed to more than 30 percent of Southampton's league goals.

Two of which were spectacular free-kicks in Saints' 4-3 victory at Villa back in early-November.

Despite his excellent form, the 26-year-old narrowly missed out on being named in the final 26-man England squad for the Euro's after failing to get the nod following Trent Alexander Arnold's withdrawal.

But whilst Gareth Southgate wasn't completed convinced, Dean Smith has been, with Villa hoping to make the midfielder their second summer addition following the club-record arrival of Emiliano Buendia of Norwich.

And Bent told Football FanCast that he believes it's a move the Southampton man should make:

"Where Aston Villa have got a few talented players, it would be a good move for him.

"I think he'd probably, well not push for it but he's the captain at Southampton. Could he play another season? Maybe, but I'm not sure if they're moving forward.

"And Aston Villa are a big club, maybe he wants to move as a stepping stone so it would be a good move for him."