Crystal Palace Pursues Joel Ordonez Amid Aston Villa Interest

Crystal Palace is making efforts to secure the signing of Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge, attempting to outmaneuver Aston Villa, who have also shown interest in the defender.

Aston Villa initiated their pursuit of Ordonez after unsuccessful negotiations with Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Meanwhile, Palace has begun talks with Brugge, as Ordonez has been a long-term target for the club.

Palace's urgency to strengthen their defense comes after Chadi Riad was injured during a match against Everton. They recently completed a loan deal for Axel Disasi but are looking to add another center-back. Villa, having sold Ezri Konsa to Arsenal, has been actively working on a deal for the 22-year-old Ordonez, who is valued at £40 million by Brugge, with negotiations still in progress.