Aston Villa are closing in on a deal to sign Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, according to The Athletic.
Villa boss Unai Emery needs to strengthen his defence following the departure of defensive leader Ezri Konsa.
The Villains have agreed the broad structure of a deal worth up to £30million for the 24-year-old, with the remaining details around bonuses still to be settled.
The agreement is expected to be worth an initial £25m, ending the Midlands club’s determined pursuit.
Harwood-Bellis has been a priority for Emery throughout the summer, with the Villa boss understood to be a major driving force behind the move.
Villa had already seen two bids rejected by his side before returning with an improved proposal.
The need for another centre-back became increasingly apparent after Konsa completed his exit.
Villa had also explored alternatives, including Joel Ordonez and Jean-Clair Todibo.
They were also linked with Fikayo Tomori and Tosin Adarabioyo, but neither option materialised.
Concerns over Ordonez’s fractured metatarsal ultimately ended Villa’s interest, while a move for Todibo failed to progress.
That left Harwood-Bellis firmly at the top of Emery’s defensive shortlist.
The Englishman is now poised to become Villa’s ninth signing of the summer.
Harwood-Bellis brings considerable experience despite his age.
The incoming Aston Villa defender is a product of Manchester City’s academy. He joined Southampton permanently in 2024 after an initial loan spell.
He has since made 134 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals and registering seven assists.
He also earned his England debut under Lee Carsley in 2024, although he has not been involved with the national team since. He scored on that debut for the Three Lions.
Last term in the Championship, the new Villa star was imperious in defence, helping his side keep 12 clean sheets.
He won 58% of his aerial and 65% of his ground duels, making 7.5 clearances per game.
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