Southampton reject Villa bid as Ahmedhodzic move collapses and Tsoungui interest grows | OneFootball

Southampton have rejected Aston Villa’s £18m plus add-ons bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, seeking nearer £30m. According to Sainstmarching.com, Anel Ahmedhodzic is joining Burnley and Estoril midfielder Antef Tsoungui has emerged as a newer target.

Villa need a centre back because Ezri Konsa is off to Arsenal. Ahmedhodzic is set for Burnley, with a medical booked after their move. Estoril value Tsoungui at €5m to €6m, and Rangers have asked about him.

Stoke visit St Mary’s on Saturday, with Mark Robins saying his squad needs reinforcements. George Hirst and Ben Johnson are yet to be registered as Stoke race the clock, and Hirst could debut after Ipswich accepted an offer that could reach £10m. He has never scored against Southampton in five attempts.

Caspar Jander remains sidelined after limping out of the Eastleigh friendly and missed Wednesday’s session. Cameron Bragg stepped in at Vicarage Road to set up Cyle Larin’s goal. He did well, though Eckert had little choice.

Finn Azaz and Divin Mubama are pushing for starts, which could see Kuryu Matsuki and Lewis Dobbin make way. Jack Stephens is likely to start despite debate after his Watford error that allowed Iker Bravo to score first.

Southampton have largely kept the squad together this summer, with Shea Charles the notable sale to Fulham. Villa’s interest could still shift things, given Champions League football and the Premier League pull. If Harwood-Bellis departs, Eckert would be left with Stephens, a thin bench, and under a fortnight to find another centre back.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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