Taylor Harwood-Bellis left out of Aston Villa's UEFA Champions League squad

The Villains' new signing has not been registered in Aston Villa's UEFA Champions League squad.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis signed for Aston Villa on deadline day, completing a move worth up to £30 million from EFL Championship side Southampton.

The centre-back, who scored on his England debut against the Republic of Ireland, joined the Saints from Manchester City in 2023 and went on to make 134 appearances for the side, scoring 12 goals.

While Harwood-Bellis' move was completed on deadline day, due to the time the deal was made official, Aston Villa may have missed the UEFA deadline to include him in the club's Champions League squad, according to reports.

With the Villains having a European squad of just 23 players, not 25, two players were to miss out. Harwood-Bellis seems to have been one of those unfortunate players.

However, the Englishman could still play for Villa in the competition, under certain rules. If a player in the squad suffers an injury or illness that will sideline them for over 60 days, a swap can be made.

If the side also makes it out of the league phase, they can bring in three new players to the squad, but they must ensure their squad size does not exceed 25.

While Harwood-Bellis is not set to feature for Villa in Europe, the picture could change depending on how his side do in the competition, and if any injuries arise.

Upon completing his move to the team, the defender said: "I can't wait to get out there and show what I can on the biggest stage. We've seen the success the club’s had in Europe, winning the Europa League and going so far in the Champions League, giving PSG the hardest game they had that season, it was massive."