James Ward-Prowse is not going to leave Southampton before the end of the summer transfer window.
That's the verdict of Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, who has said that he cannot see a scenario where he leaves the club before August 31, amid links with Tottenham and Aston Villa.
The Saints captain has been strongly linked with a move away this summer, with Aston Villa and Tottenham among the clubs named as potential suitors for the 26-year-old England international.
He has been the subject of a £25million bid from Aston Villa this summer, while Spurs have also been linked, but Hasenhuttl has sent a message to any interested parties.
"This is normal I think," Hasenhuttl said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Southampton's opening Premier League game of the season against Everton.
"Prowsey [James Ward-Prowse] is a guy who everybody wants to have, but I don't see a scenario for him not to be with us for the next few years.
"He knows he is the captain here, he knows how important he is for us and he feels good here, and we feel good with him. He has four years on a contract here, so the situation with him is a different one."
Ward-Prowse has this week returned to training, albeit playing with a right knee that appears to have been heavily strapped up, but Hasenhuttl has said that he is set to be involved in the game at Goodison Park.
“He is going to be okay," said Hasenhuttl. "I am looking forward to seeing him back on Saturday.
