West Ham United and Fulham are keen on signing England Under-21 international Taylor Harwood-Bellis this summer, according to the Evening Standard.
The Manchester City defender recently captained the Young Lions to the Under-21 European Championship title. They did not concede a single goal in the tournament.
The 21-year-old’s performances have sparked transfer interest in his services and City are ready to cash in on the young defender.
Harwood-Bellis came through City’s academy and made his first team debut in the League Cup against Preston North End in 2019.
The Stockport-born centre-back has since gone on loan to Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht and Stoke City.
Harwood-Bellis spent last season on loan with Burnley in the Championship. He helped them gain promotion to the top flight under City legend Vincent Kompany.
Harwood-Bellis bagged one goal and two assists in 32 appearances in the Championship for Burnley. He won 63% of his ground duels, 65% of his aerial contests and helped them keep 11 clean sheets.
His exploits have earned him the consideration of England manager Gareth Southgate. The 52-year-old name-dropped the young defender during the last month’s international break.
Southgate believes Harwood-Bellis is one of the current Under-21 players who can progress to the senior squad.
His defensive partner at the Euros, Levi Colwill, was part of the senior England squad during the last break.
Harwood-Bellis is entering the final year of his four-year contract with City. He could be a potential bargain at around £15 million.
City manager Pep Guardiola will likely not give him consistent chances with the first team.
West Ham boss David Moyes and Fulham counterpart Marco Silva want to reinforce their defensive options and have Harwood-Bellis on their radar.
