Aston Villa £18m+£2m Harwood-Bellis bid rejected as talks continue

Aston Villa are still in talks with Southampton over Taylor Harwood-Bellis after an initial offer was rejected, with a follow-up bid expected. The latest development was reported on Friday.

Details were first published by Ben Jacobs, who says Villa saw an £18 million proposal, with a further £2 million in add-ons, turned down and are preparing to return with an improved offer.

A rejected bid confirms there is no agreement in place, but the continuation of discussions indicates negotiations remain active. With talks ongoing rather than paused, the situation remains live and could move quickly once a fresh proposal lands.

The reporting points to a near-term second approach, which would likely need either a higher guaranteed sum, revised bonuses or a different payment schedule to move talks forward. Any improved terms would be aimed at narrowing the gap that prompted Southampton to refuse the opening package, the report suggests.

Whether the next bid focuses on a cleaner cash sum or retains incentives tied to performance, the pace indicated here suggests both clubs are open to finding common ground if valuation hurdles can be met.

No contract terms, specific add-on triggers or a timetable for the next proposal were specified.