Southampton are said to have turned down Aston Villa’s latest offer for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Saints turn down another Villa offer

Southampton have reportedly rejected another proposal from Aston Villa for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, although there is growing optimism that the two clubs could eventually reach an agreement over the England international.

Harwood-Bellis was absent from Southampton’s squad for their 3-1 Championship victory over Stoke City on Saturday, immediately increasing speculation surrounding his future at St Mary’s.

Head coach Tonda Eckert made the decision to leave the 24-year-old out of the matchday squad after Southampton rejected an initial approach from Aston Villa.

Saints defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC)

The first Villa offer was believed to have been worth approximately £18 million.

Eckert subsequently explained that Harwood-Bellis was not in the appropriate state of mind to be involved in the match following the transfer developments.

The defender’s situation has therefore become one of the main talking points surrounding Southampton as the transfer deadline approaches.

Villa continue to push for defender

Aston Villa remain determined to strengthen their central defensive options and have identified Harwood-Bellis as one of their leading targets.

Villa are preparing for another season of European football and will compete in the Champions League, increasing the need for Unai Emery to have sufficient quality and depth at the back.

Their defensive ranks have changed significantly following the departure of Ezri Konsa, who completed a move to Arsenal in a deal reportedly worth around £51 million.

Villa are now searching for a suitable replacement, and Harwood-Bellis has emerged as a preferred option.

However, Southampton have made it clear that they will not allow their defender to leave cheaply.

Latest £24m package rejected

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Aston Villa have now made another improved offer for Harwood-Bellis.

The latest proposal was reportedly worth £20 million upfront, with a further £4 million potentially available through add-ons.

Despite the improved package, Southampton have rejected the bid.

However, there appears to be a growing belief that the two clubs are moving closer to an agreement.

Plettenberg reported that there is now a feeling that negotiations are progressing and that Southampton and Villa could eventually reach a compromise.

That development will encourage Villa, who remain keen to complete the transfer despite having their latest proposal turned down.

The fact that discussions are continuing suggests neither side has walked away from the negotiations.

Benfica also tested Southampton’s resolve

Aston Villa are not the only club to have shown interest in Harwood-Bellis.

Portuguese giants Benfica previously submitted an offer in a similar region to Villa’s opening proposal.

Southampton rejected that bid as well, while Benfica are now believed to have turned their attention towards alternative defensive targets.

That leaves Villa in a stronger position in the current race for the 24-year-old.

However, Southampton remain in control of the situation because Harwood-Bellis still has a contract with the club until 2028.

The Saints can therefore demand a fee that reflects his importance and long-term value to the squad.

Harwood-Bellis remains highly valued

Southampton are understood to place a valuation of approximately £25 million to £30 million on Harwood-Bellis.

That figure would represent a significant increase on the £20 million permanent transfer fee Southampton paid to Manchester City after securing promotion to the Premier League.

The defender initially joined the Saints on loan from City in 2023.

His temporary spell became permanent the following year after Southampton’s promotion triggered the obligation to complete the £20 million transfer.

Since arriving at St Mary’s, Harwood-Bellis has become a key member of the Southampton squad.

He has made 134 appearances for the club across all competitions and has contributed 12 goals.

His consistency and leadership have made him one of the most important defenders within the Southampton squad.

England breakthrough adds to his value

Harwood-Bellis’ development at Southampton has also helped him earn international recognition.

The defender made his senior England debut while playing for the Saints and marked the occasion by scoring against the Republic of Ireland.

That achievement further enhanced his reputation and demonstrated the progress he has made since joining Southampton.

Last season was particularly significant for Harwood-Bellis.

He featured 48 times and was considered an important player within the team.

His regular involvement highlighted just how influential he had become at the club.

Consequently, Southampton are understandably reluctant to lose him unless Villa meet a valuation they consider appropriate.

Saints have a clear price

Southampton’s reported £25 million to £30 million valuation appears to be central to the current negotiations.

Villa’s latest offer, worth up to £24 million including potential add-ons, is closer to that figure but still falls short of the Saints’ reported demands.

The difference may not be substantial enough to prevent an eventual agreement, particularly if Villa are prepared to improve their proposal once again.

Southampton will have to decide whether holding out for the upper end of their valuation is worth the risk of keeping a player who may be unsettled by the ongoing transfer speculation.

At the same time, Villa must determine how much they are prepared to spend on their preferred defensive target.

Shea Charles transfer provides comparison

Southampton’s valuation of Harwood-Bellis is reportedly similar to the amount they received for Shea Charles earlier this month.

Charles completed a move to Fulham for an initial fee of around £26 million, with a further £4 million available through add-ons.

That deal could provide Southampton with a useful benchmark when negotiating Harwood-Bellis’ potential departure.

The Saints may feel that their established England international defender should command a comparable fee, particularly given his importance to the team and the length of his remaining contract.

Villa, meanwhile, will need to decide whether they are prepared to match those financial expectations.

Transfer remains unresolved

For now, Southampton have rejected Aston Villa’s latest £20 million offer plus £4 million in potential add-ons.

However, negotiations remain active, and reports suggest the clubs are edging closer to an agreement.

Harwood-Bellis’ absence against Stoke has only intensified speculation over his future, while Villa’s continued pursuit indicates that they remain serious about bringing him to Villa Park.

Southampton value the defender highly, but a sufficiently improved offer could eventually change their position.

With Villa needing defensive reinforcements following Konsa’s departure and Harwood-Bellis reportedly open to the move, the coming days could prove decisive.

The key question is whether Aston Villa will increase their offer enough to meet Southampton’s £25 million to £30 million valuation.

Until then, Harwood-Bellis remains a Southampton player, but his future at St Mary’s continues to look increasingly uncertain.