Headline: Aston Villa’s £18m Bid for Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis Rejected
Aston Villa has seen their offer of approximately £18 million, plus add-ons, turned down by Southampton for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Villa aims to strengthen their squad as England defender Ezri Konsa is reportedly set to transfer to Arsenal for over £50 million.
Harwood-Bellis has been with Southampton since 2023, initially joining on loan, and holds one cap for England, which he earned during a Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland in 2024.
Southampton, who finished fourth in the Championship last season before their play-off aspirations were cut short by the Spygate scandal, is believed to be seeking around £25 million for the young defender.
The player began his career in the Manchester City academy but did not make any appearances for the first team during his tenure there.
Since their Europa League victory in May, Villa has offloaded several key players, including Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, and Lucas Digne to Paris St-Germain. Additionally, goalkeeper Emi Martinez and club record Premier League goalscorer Ollie Watkins have also been rumored to be leaving the club.
This week, Villa secured the signings of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and left-back Matteo Ruggeri. Other additions this summer include midfielder Joao Gomes from Wolves and forward Johan Manzambi from Freiburg.
Aston Villa have had a bid worth around £18m plus add-ons rejected by Southampton for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Villa are looking for new recruits with England defender Ezri Konsa set to join Arsenal for more than £50m.
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Harwood-Bellis has been at Southampton since 2023, initially on loan, and has one England cap – earned in a 2024 Nations League match against Republic of Ireland.
Southampton, who finished fourth in the Championship last season before the Spygate scandal ended their play-offs, are understood to want around £25m for him.
Harwood-Bellis began his career in the Manchester City academy but never played for the first team.
Since winning the Europa League in May, Villa have sold key players including Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, Morgan Rogers to Chelsea and Lucas Digne to Paris St-Germain.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez and club record goalscorer in the Premier League Ollie Watkins have also been linked with moves away.
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This week Villa signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and left-back Matteo Ruggeri. Other signings this summer include midfielder Joao Gomes from Wolves and forward Johan Manzambi from Freiburg.
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