Southampton face last-ditch approach for player who Will Still issued hands-off warning over
Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis is wanted by Burnley as the January transfer deadline draws ever closer.
Southampton‘s return to the Championship has certainly not gone to plan so far, with nine wins from their 28 matches so far this term to occupy 15th place as it stands.
They are facing an uphill battle to push for a playoff spot this season, and will not want to lose a player of Harwood-Bellis‘ talent anytime soon.
The one-cap England centre-back is in his third season as a Saints player, and has scored four goals in 25 appearances up to now in 2025-26.
Crystal Palace were interested in Harwood-Bellis last year before Southampton were relegated, but it is another Premier League who are lining up a move for his services this month.
Burnley want to re-sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis
West Ham were also linked to Harwood-Bellis this time last year and in the summer, yet he has remained on the south coast and recently surpassed 100 appearances for Southampton.
The 23-year-old’s impressive performances this term, despite their struggles as a team, have seen Burnley register their interest in his services ahead of the 2 February deadline, according to FourFourTwo.
He featured 35 times on loan at the Clarets from Man City in the 2022-23 campaign as they won the Championship title under Vincent Kompany.
Burnley could make an approach to Southampton for Harwood-Bellis in the latter stages of the window, as the report states that their interest is genuine, and the centre-back is open to doing a deal either this month or in the summer.
Will Still insisted that Harwood-Bellis was not for sale
Southampton are expected to resist any approaches for Harwood-Bellis this month, but they could well be tested by the Clarets if they offer a sizeable fee for his services.
They will have to weigh up whether he is worth keeping, even though they do not look set to be promoted, with a tough ask over the next few months to get into the top six.
Tonda Eckert has improved their form somewhat since he took over as interim and then permanent boss from Will Still in December.
The former Lens manager made clear his thoughts on the 23-year-old leaving the club last August, amid interest from West Ham after Matheus Fernandes’ move, as he said: “They want another one of our players?!
“I don’t think Taylor was ever for sale, to be honest. I love West Ham, but stay off him!”
Southampton fans will hope that his statement still rings true a few months later, but it remains to be seen if they can be coaxed into a deal by the Clarets.