James Ward-Prowse would be interested in exiting Southampton in favour of a move to Aston Villa, according to Carlton Palmer.

Villa have already been busy in the transfer market. They have signed Emiliano Buendia for a club-record fee from newly-promoted Norwich City and welcomed back Ashley Young, while bids have been turned down for exciting Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.

Dean Smith is also trying to keep hold of England international Jack Grealish despite reports of a £100million bid being readied by Premier League champions Manchester City.

Ward-Prowse has been on Villa's radar since the end of the season and may make a move before the new season gets underway next month.

The midfielder, who narrowly missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2020, scored eight goals and contributed seven assists in 38 Southampton appearances last season.

However, Palmer feels the 26-year-old's head may be turned if Villa firm up their interest.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Palmer said: "If you're being linked to Aston Villa, it's an exciting time. It's a young team with a great management team in Dean Smith and John Terry. It's a club you'd want to go and join.

"He loves Southampton but if you're ambitious, you want to go on and be the best you can. He'll want to claim international honours and that's only going to happen if you're playing for a strong side."