Aston Villa have now agreed a deal to sign Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas.
The Midlands club had been in the market for a new centre-back after it was confirmed that Ezri Konsa had joined Arsenal.
Harwood-Bellis has been on Villa's radar, with the Saints rejecting multiple offers for him.
Villa have lost a host of key players in the summer transfer window, and there's not a lot of time remaining for them to bring in some replacements.
Signing a new centre-back is likely one of their key priorities in the remaining days of the market.
Konsa was undoubtedly one of their key players and is going to be a huge loss for Unai Emery's side.
According to Sky Sports journalist Thomas, Aston Villa have now agreed a deal in principle to sign Southampton defender Harwood-Bellis.
Thomas claims that the total package is worth £30 million, with Villa paying a £25 million guaranteed fee plus £5 million in bonuses.
Harwood-Bellis hasn't been involved for Southampton since the game against Watford on the 16th of August, missing games against Stoke, West Ham, and Millwall.
It was clear, given the lack of minutes over the last few weeks, that an exit was possible, and it now appears Aston Villa are close to securing his signature.
Aston Villa could do with another
Given Aston Villa's current options at centre-back before the arrival of Harwood-Bellis, it wouldn't be a surprise if they wanted another one.
Aston Villa's current centre-back options
- Victor Lindelof
- Tyrone Mings
- Pau Torres
- Modou Keba Cisse
The likes of Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings haven't been guaranteed starters for Villa in recent years, while Modou Keba Cisse is an unproven talent.
Harwood-Bellis could come in and become a guaranteed starter for the club, but there's still a chance Villa will look to add further reinforcements before the deadline.