Southampton have joined the race to sign Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis on loan.
Russell Martin’s side are the latest in a long line of Championship clubs to hold interest in the centre back.
First reported by John Percy, a permeant deal may also be on the table.
Leeds United and Leicester City are interested and face stern competition.
Who is Taylor Harwood-Bellis?
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Burnley, helping Vincent Kompany’s side to win the league.
Prior to this he had spent the previous three years on loan with Stoke City, Anderlecht and Blackburn Rovers.
He has never made a Premier League appearance for Man City.
Despite this he has played in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League for the Cityzens.
He has a contract until 2024 at the Etihad but could sign a new deal before a loan deal away from the club.
He is a highly decorated youth international, winning the under 17s and under 21s European Championships.
Should Southampton sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis?
A loan deal leaves the club with a risk free option for a top player.
A permeant deal for a young player, in the last year of his contract, could be see a good price be agreed.
At the time of writing, there are only three senior centre backs at the club, so an extra squad member could be useful.
With Armel Bella-Kotchap injured until September and linked to moves away from the club, a replacement will be necessary.
The Saints have already been linked to Zak Vyner out of Bristol City, so it is clearly a position Martin is looking for.
The England youth international would be a great signing, coming with plenty of experience of the Championship can only be a good thing.
Competition for his signature is there, but with starting football on offer, he could be swayed towards St Mary’s.