Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu is happy James Ward-Prowse stayed.

The Daily Echo says Saints turned down a bid of £25million from Aston Villa in July – Ward-Prowse has gone on to seal a fresh five-year deal at the club last month.

Asked whether he was happy to see Ward-Prowse commit his future to Saints, Romeu said: “If you want me to be honest, I wasn't expecting Prowsey going anywhere else other than here.

“He belongs to the club and the club belongs to him.

“It is the perfect relationship. He has been coming up through the academy and doing really well, started as a young lad. He improves his game being the main leader now and doing a great job.

“I knew there were some rumours in the summer of some clubs linked with him but I just did not see that happening. I would say he wasn't even considering any of those options. He loves being here.

“The fact that he is staying here long is great news for everyone around here, definitely."