James Ward-Prowse does NOT have a relegation release clause in his Southampton deal – with the Saints now bracing for bids amid interest from Aston Villa, West Ham and Spurs
- Ward-Prowse signed a new deal last year which is not due to expire until 2026
- Saints want to keep him but there will be interest from Premier League clubs
- The club’s fate was sealed last weekend as defeat at Fulham sent them down
James Ward-Prowse’s contract does not contain a relegation release clause but Southampton are braced for bids for their club captain this summer.
Ward-Prowse, 28, signed a new deal last year which is not due to expire until 2026.
Mail Sport can reveal that did not include a clause which would allow the midfielder to leave for a set fee in the event of Premier League relegation — a fate that was sealed after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Fulham.
Saints insiders say they want to keep Ward-Prowse, who is admired by Aston Villa, West Ham and Tottenham.
Villa had a £25million bid turned down last year. Southampton still believe he is worth more than that figure but they will have to consider any serious offers.
Ward-Prowse’s wages — said to be £100,000 per week — would be pricy in the second tier with no guarantee of an immediate return to the Premier League.
James Ward-Prowse’s Southampton contract does not contain a relegation release clause
The Saints were relegated from the Premier League on Saturday following defeat by Fulham