West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis during the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old has endured a mixed campaign, with the Saints currently sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table boasting just nine points.
Harwood-Bellis has been a relative shining light for the South-coast strugglers, though, even finding the net during a match against Bournemouth in late September.
There has also been international recognition for the centre-back during the 2024-25 term, with Lee Carsley handing the player his first-ever England senior cap.
Harwood-Bellis turned out at Wembley Stadium for 28 minutes against the Republic of Ireland in November and netted the Three Lions' final strike of a five-goal thumping.
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West Ham want Southampton star Harwood-Bellis?
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Southampton defender Harwood-Bellis could be given an escape route out of St Mary's as his current employers head towards the Championship.
The report claims that fellow Premier League outfit West Ham are keen on securing the services of the 23-year-old during the summer transfer window.
It is understood that the Hammers have been left impressed by the performances of Harwood-Bellis in one of the division's worst-ever sides.
Signing from Premier League champions Manchester City last summer for £20m, the Three Lions youngster is hurtling towards a swift exit from the South coast.
With Southampton likely to be operating as a Championship club during the off-season, it is believed that Harwood-Bellis could be available for just £15m.
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West Ham hopes
Securing a 1-0 win over Arsenal on the weekend, West Ham eased any slight worries of being dragged into a relegation battle this season.
Graham Potter's men are sitting 16th in the league standings with 30 points, comforted by a 13-point buffer between themselves and 18th position.
A move to West Ham over the summer would ensure top-flight football for Harwood-Bellis, who is looking to become an England regular ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Carter White
