MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted it was “normal” clubs would be interested in skipper James Ward-Prowse – but does not expect him to be leaving Saints any time soon.

The Daily Echo understands the south coast side last month turned down a £25million bid from Aston Villa for the England midfielder.

Speculation has been rife over the 26-year-old, who has come through the ranks having graduated from Saints’ academy.

Tottenham have also been linked with Ward-Prowse but Hasenhuttl insists his star man would not be heading out of the exit door.

He said: “It is normal that Prowsey is a guy that everyone wants to have but I don’t see a scenario for him not to be with us for the next years.

“He knows he is the captain here, he knows how important he is for our club. He feels good here and we feel good with him.

“He has a four-year contract here so the situation with him is a different one.”

Ward-Prowse has recovered from a knee injury in time to be available to take on Rafael Benitez’s Everton tomorrow (3pm).