Aston Villa is actively pursuing Joel Ordonez, a central defender from Club Brugge, after unsuccessful negotiations with Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The Premier League club recently sold England defender Ezri Konsa to Arsenal, prompting a swift shift in focus towards Ordonez, with ongoing discussions indicating a willingness to meet Club Brugge's asking price of at least £40 million for the Ecuador international.

Joel Ordonez, 22, has established himself as a key player, amassing 124 appearances for Club Brugge since his arrival in 2022 from Independiente del Valle. His performance at the recent World Cup showcased his potential, making him an appealing target for Villa.

Initially, Villa had aimed to secure Harwood-Bellis, but negotiations hit a snag due to a significant valuation gap; an £18 million offer was turned down by Southampton. While there is still a possibility for reviving the Harwood-Bellis deal, Villa has shifted gears, focusing on Ordonez as a primary target.

Following a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Brighton in their season opener, Villa is under pressure to bolster their squad before the transfer deadline on September 1. The club has already seen several key players depart, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Konsa, heightening the urgency for reinforcements.