FORMER Arsenal and Aston Villa ace Paul Merson has urged the Villans to sign Saints star James Ward-Prowse – despite his lengthy contract at St Mary’s.

The 27-year-old skipper is under contract with the club until 2026, after signing a new five-year deal with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side last summer.

England international Ward-Prowse was the subject of a transfer bid from Villa, prompting him and the club to settle rumours and put pen to paper.

The summer window saw three of the club’s most experienced stars in Danny Ings, Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard all go through the exit door.

Ward-Prowse has put in another impressive campaign as he looks to seal a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

He scored a 13th direct free-kick in Premier League competition during the 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Saturday, but it is his passing range that Merson highlighted before kick-off.

On Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, Merson said: “The midfield (Aston Villa) isn’t bad, but I would go and try to get a Ward-Prowse.

“I played at Villa Park. Tim (Sherwood), he’s been the manager there as well. It’s a big pitch.

“I think you need someone who is a good passer in midfield, who can spray the ball around. I don’t think they have someone who can spray the ball around.”

He continued: “I think someone like a Ward-Prowse is one of the best in the business at doing that.

“They probably need another centre-half. I am always not sure.

“I think Konsa is the better player, out of him and Mings, in my opinion – I would definitely say another centre-midfielder and a centre-back.”

Ward-Prowse has continually demonstrated his commitment to Saints, making a move to fellow mid-table outfit Villa seem out of the question.

He would be following the footsteps of Ings, who switched St Mary's for Villa Park last summer in a £30million deal.