West Ham United have rejected an opening loan offer from Aston Villa for full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to The Athletic.
Aston Villa submitted a bid to secure the 28-year-old defender on a straight, season-long loan deal as they scour the market for a new right-back to provide cover for Matty Cash.
However, West Ham dismissed Villa’s initial proposal outright, making it clear that a standard loan without a substantial transfer fee or guaranteed financial return holds no appeal for the London club.
West Ham are open to sanctioning Wan-Bissaka’s exit and have set an asking price of around £25 million to generate immediate funds to reinvest in their own targets.
Wan-Bissaka has long been regarded as one of English football’s most formidable one-on-one defenders, renowned for his elite tackling and physical resilience.
Having recently agreed to loan Kosta Nedeljkovic to Rangers, signing a new right-back is now a top priority for Villa.
To revive discussions and test West Ham’s resolve, the Europa League champions will need to return with a significantly improved proposal, either meeting the Hammers’ permanent valuation or structuring a loan package with a substantial loan fee and a mandatory obligation-to-buy clause.
Wan-Bissaka has not featured for West Ham since returning from the World Cup, and a move away from East London appears likely.
Everton have also been linked, but are not prepared to meet West Ham’s valuation for the ‘absolutely fantastic’ DR Congo international, who is wanted by former boss David Moyes on Merseyside.
Meanwhile, Villa are also pursuing Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha after seeing an initial loan offer rejected.
They have resumed talks with the Bundesliga champions to give Emery more midfield depth.