Aston Villa have made an approach to Club Brugge over a deal for defender Joel Ordonez, according to reports. The move comes as Unai Emery's side look to fill the gap left by Ezri Konsa, who completed his £55million transfer to Arsenal last week.
The Athletic report that Ordonez is highly regarded within Villa's recruitment team and had been monitored previously. However, uncertainty over whether the club was willing to commit the required finances for the 22-year-old meant a move was not pursued earlier in the window. Villa also prioritised strengthening other areas of the squad.
Fresh contact made as window enters final days
With the summer transfer window now entering its final days, Villa have made fresh contact with the Belgian side. Ordonez is one of three centre-back options under consideration following the club's rejected £18million bid for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Harwood-Bellis missed Southampton's 2-1 win over Stoke City on Saturday amid growing uncertainty over his future. Villa and Southampton remain apart on valuation, with discussions ongoing over a potential deal.
Replacement search intensifies
The approach for Ordonez signals Villa's intent to secure defensive reinforcements before the September 1 deadline. With Konsa's departure leaving a significant void in the backline, Emery is working with the club to make further additions to his squad.
Ordonez, who has impressed at Club Brugge, would bring youth and potential to Villa's defensive setup. The Belgian club are yet to respond publicly to Villa's approach, and it remains to be seen whether a deal can be reached in the coming days.
Villa's pursuit of defensive options is expected to continue as the deadline approaches, with multiple targets being evaluated. The outcome of the Harwood-Bellis negotiations and the Ordonez approach will likely shape the club's final moves in the transfer window.
