Unai Emery at a press conference
Unai Emery at a press conference
Aston Villa have reportedly made an £18 million plus add-ons bid to sign Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the summer transfer window, according to David Ornstein.
Harwood-Bellis could be searching for a move back to the Premier League this summer after Southampton failed to gain promotion last season.
Aston Villa could look to take advantage with Ezri Konsa closing in on a move to Arsenal.
Konsa isn't the only player who sought a departure this summer, with Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers all moving on in the summer transfer window.
After qualifying for the Champions League, Villa fans may have been expecting their club to keep a number of their key players, but it hasn't been possible.
According to Ornstein, Aston Villa have submitted an £18 million plus add-on bid to sign Harwood-Bellis from Southampton, but the Championship club have rejected the offer.
The England international is considered an option to replace Konsa this summer, but they'll have to increase their offer to secure his signature.
Aston Villa need a busy end to window
Johan Manzambi celebrates with Swiss teammate Granit Xhaka
Johan Manzambi celebrates with Swiss teammate Granit Xhaka
Aston Villa certainly need a busy end to the summer transfer window, despite bringing in a few additions so far.
Although they have made some smart signings so far, you could argue that their starting eleven is going to be weaker than last season.
That could be a huge concern to supporters, especially after they qualified for the Champions League last term.
Losing players such as Rogers, Digne and Tielemans significantly weakens their starting 11, so they'll need a busy few weeks in terms of reinforcements.
Add in Konsa on top of that, who looks set to leave the club, Unai Emery and his recruitment team need to get a move on.