Aston Villa have struck a deal with Southampton for the transfer of central defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with the total package set to be around £30 million.
The 24-year-old defender has been given the green light to undergo a medical at Aston Villa on Monday before signing a five-year contract.
The arrangement includes a guaranteed £25 million, plus an additional £5 million in bonuses.
Replacement for Ezri Konsa
Villa's head coach Unai Emery is a keen admirer of Harwood-Bellis, viewing him as the ideal replacement for Ezri Konsa, who recently made the switch to Arsenal for £51 million.
The club had previously made two unsuccessful offers for the defender, the first being £18 million plus bonuses, which was followed by an improved bid that still failed to meet Southampton's expectations.
Other contenders included Joël Ordóñez from Brugge, but his potential move fell through due to concerns over a broken metatarsal sustained during the World Cup. Villa also explored the option of signing West Ham's Jean-Clair Todibo.
Despite these alternatives, Harwood-Bellis remained the club's top target, and agreement between the parties is now on the verge of completion.
He is expected to become Aston Villa's ninth signing of the summer.
Harwood-Bellis's Career
Harwood-Bellis came through the ranks at Manchester City, before making a permanent move to Southampton in 2024 following an initial loan spell.
Since joining, he has made 134 appearances for the club, netting 12 goals and providing 7 assists. Harwood-Bellis also made his England debut in 2024 under Lee Carsley.
This season, he played the full match in the League Cup against Colchester on 8 August (which ended 2-0) and featured in the Championship clash against Watford (a 1-2 loss). However, he has missed the last three matches for Southampton as uncertainties regarding his future swirled.
