Aston Villa have shifted their transfer focus to Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez as they look to bolster their defensive options before the window closes, following a breakdown in negotiations with Southampton over Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The Premier League club, managed by Unai Emery, are said to be in active discussions with the Belgian side over a deal for the 22-year-old Ecuador international, though Club Brugge are holding firm on a valuation of at least £40m for their prized defender.
Ordonez has established himself as a key figure at the Belgian Pro League club since arriving from Independiente del Valle in 2022, racking up 124 appearances in that time. His performances earned him a place in Ecuador's squad at this summer's World Cup, further raising his profile among Europe's leading clubs.
Villa's pursuit of Ordonez comes after their interest in Harwood-Bellis failed to progress. The Midlands club had an £18m bid for the Southampton defender turned down, with a considerable disparity between the two clubs' valuations of the 24-year-old proving difficult to bridge. While a move for Harwood-Bellis has not been completely ruled out, Villa are understood to have redirected their attention elsewhere for now.
The need for reinforcements at the back has become more pressing following the departure of Ezri Konsa, who completed a move to Arsenal last week. His exit is part of a broader reshaping of Villa's squad this summer, with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne also leaving the club.
The timing of these departures has added urgency to Villa's recruitment plans, particularly after a difficult start to the new Premier League campaign. Emery's side suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat away at Brighton in their opening fixture, a result that will have only intensified calls for fresh faces to strengthen the squad ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
Beyond the defensive rebuild, Villa are also monitoring developments regarding striker Ollie Watkins, whose future at the club has come under scrutiny amid reported interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Any departure of the forward would represent a further significant change to a squad already undergoing considerable turnover this summer.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Villa's business over the coming days is likely to be shaped by how quickly they can close the gap with Club Brugge over Ordonez, while also keeping an eye on the situation surrounding Watkins and the possibility of reviving talks for Harwood-Bellis. The club's ability to secure defensive reinforcements before September 1 could prove crucial as they look to bounce back from their opening-day setback and stabilise a squad that has seen considerable change in personnel.
Emery's side will be eager to conclude their transfer business swiftly, allowing any new arrivals time to integrate before facing the challenges of a demanding Premier League season. For now, all eyes remain on the negotiations with Club Brugge as Villa attempt to fend off competition and secure the signature of one of Belgian football's most sought-after young defenders.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.