Southampton CEO Martin Semmens has informed Aston Villa and other interested parties that James Ward-Prowse is not for sale.

The Saints have lost Danny Ings to Villa this summer, while Jannik Vestergaard may depart for Leicester City.

However, Semmens is emphatic that talismanic midfielder Ward-Prowse is not for sale under any circumstances.

He said, per BBC Radio Solent: "Every team would want him but for us he's beyond that level.

"I've got in front of me the six or seven players that signed this summer, I think at least half of them say they want to join for the manager, the city, the club. But all of them say 'and to play with James Ward-Prowse'.

"Tino (Livramento) asked the same question, 'he's going to be here isn't he, because I want to play with him.'

"Being fit I'm sure Ralph will get him onto the pitch on Saturday."