Southampton have beaten Leeds United in the race to sign Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
That is according to the Telegraph, who report Southampton are set to sign Harwood-Bellis on a season-long-loan deal having beaten Leeds and Leicester City to his signature.
Harwood-Bellis had been linked with a host of Premier League clubs this summer after a stellar campaign on loan at Burnley in the Championship last season.
Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Fulham were among those keen on the 21-year-old, however as per Alan Nixon, have all been put off by City’s £15 million valuation.
With that in mind, City have made him available for loan at this late stage of the window and it appears as though he will now be heading to St. Mary’s.
Southampton beat Leeds to Harwood-Bellis
Leeds were heavily linked with a move for Harwood-Bellis earlier this month but were forced into the market before he became available for loan due to Liam Cooper’s injury.
Instead, Leeds swooped to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon on a season-long-loan, who has so far proved to be a shrewd piece of business.
Adding Harwood-Bellis to their crop of centre-backs would’ve made little sense unless one was on their way out, with Charlie Cresswell currently playing second fiddle.
It also shouldn’t be too long after the international break that Cooper makes his return, as he is around half way through his projected eight-week injury lay-off.
Leeds remain active in the market ahead of tomorrow’s 11pm deadline, but central midfielders are currently top of their list of priorities.