Southampton are set to seal the loan signing of Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis ahead of a host of interested Championship clubs including Leeds United, according to Darren Witcoop.
The 21-year-old set to sign for the Saints after attracting interest from several other clubs, he could be seen as an ideal short term replacement for Armel Bella-Kotchap who has verbally agreed a deal with Borrussia Dortmund.
Who is Harwood-Bellis?
The Stockport born defender is a product of the Manchester City youth system, where he progressed through the ranks to become a key asset for the club in the loan market. He has had loan spells at Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht, Stoke City and Burnley last season. He helped the latter to clinch promotion to the top flight under Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany. There is only one year remaining on his contract(according to transfermrkt.com), which a loan deal could indicate the treble winning side agreeing a new deal.
Southampton
Russell Martin has impressed so far this season for the Saints, with the recently relegated side sitting in fourth place after four games with an unbeaten start to the season. They have already scored 10 goals, but have also conceded the joint most of the top 18 clubs in the league. They will be hoping to shut up shop more as the season progresses.
A good fit?
As mentioned, Southampton need to tighten up at the back, they are scoring enough at the moment but it only takes a bit of a goalscoring doubt to land them in trouble. Harwood-Bellis was impressive for Burnley last season and has Championship experience so will be vital for Martin’s side as they aim for promotion.
Writer’s View
This seems like the perfect signing for Martin, exactly what they need, especially if they are about to lose Armel Bella-Kotchap to Dortmund. The 21-year-old can tick a lot a boxes that his new side are hoping to see.
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