Aston Villa have suffered a second setback in their pursuit of Taylor Harwood-Bellis after Southampton rejected an improved offer for the England defender. The Saints are understood to value their captain at around £30million as Unai Emery continues searching for a replacement for Ezri Konsa.
Villa made their first move for Harwood-Bellis last week with an offer worth £18m plus add-ons.
Southampton rejected that proposal but negotiations continued, with Villa remaining keen on the 24-year-old following Konsa’s £55m move to Arsenal.
There has now been another setback.
Southampton reject second Aston Villa bid
talkSPORT reports that Southampton have turned down a second Villa offer for Harwood-Bellis.
The improved proposal still fell short of the Championship club’s valuation, which is understood to be approximately £30m.
Villa nevertheless remain optimistic that an agreement can eventually be found.
The development represents an important change from reports on Friday suggesting the clubs were closing towards a deal worth up to £25m.
Southampton’s latest rejection makes clear that there is still a significant negotiation to complete.
Harwood-Bellis remains an attractive option for Emery after becoming an established figure at St Mary’s. The Manchester City academy graduate has made 134 Southampton appearances and has also represented England at senior level.
Villa widen search for Konsa replacement
Villa are not relying solely on Harwood-Bellis.
Emery’s side approached Club Brugge over Joel Ordóñez on Sunday as their centre-back search gathered pace.
That contact becomes more significant following Southampton’s second rejection.
Villa must now decide whether to move closer to the £30m asking price for Harwood-Bellis or accelerate negotiations for one of their alternative targets.
Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton underlined the urgency of strengthening a defence still adjusting to life without Konsa.
Two Harwood-Bellis offers have now failed.
Villa’s interest remains, but Southampton have made their price clear.
