West Ham United maintains ambitious transfer targets despite being on the brink of relegation to the Championship. They have been linked with Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Southampton.
According to TEAMtalk, "Harwood-Bellis is generating interest from the Premier League ahead of the summer, with West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Everton all keeping close tabs on his situation."
Harwood-Bellis began his career at Manchester City but played only eight times for the first team. He was sent on loan to Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht, Stoke City, Burnley, and then Southampton. He then joined the Saints permanently after helping them to promotion via the Championship playoffs.
He had one season in the Premier League with Southampton before they were relegated. He starred for the Saints in the Championship this campaign, playing 41 regular-season games, scoring seven goals, and providing two assists.
The defender would have had the chance to play at Wembley Stadium today in the playoff final. However, Southampton were kicked out of the competition after a staff member was caught spying on Middlesbrough's training session ahead of their semi-final.
Does West Ham have a chance of signing Harwood-Bellis?
Harwood-Bellis is one of the most talented center-backs in the Championship and would want the chance to prove himself in the Premier League once again. Therefore, Palace and Everton have a much better chance of signing him than West Ham.
The Hammers are set for relegation from the Premier League unless they beat Leeds United tomorrow and Tottenham Hotspur loses to Everton. Switching to another team that will be playing in the Championship next season would not be a step up for Harwood-Bellis. However, West Ham will be expected to go straight back up. With Southampton, they will be at a disadvantage next season as they will start the campaign with minus four points, which was part of their punishment for spying.
At Everton, Harwood-Bellis will be at a solid Premier League outfit but will have no European soccer. Palace could be a better fit as they could qualify for the Europa League if they defeat Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final next Wednesday. The Eagles also need a replacement for Marc Guehi, who joined City in January.
West Ham will need to recruit some top center-backs this summer. Hammer of the Year, Dinos Mavropanos, has been linked with top Bundesliga clubs. Also, Axel Disasi's loan from Chelsea will not be made permanent if the Hammers suffer relegation.
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