West Ham United "could move" for an "incredible" England international as a replacement for Nayef Aguerd, who may be set for an exit before the transfer deadline.
West Ham eyeing new defender after Aguerd refuses to travel
After spending the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Real Sociedad, Aguerd has come back into the fold this season, starting the opening two Premier League games, during which West Ham conceded a combined eight goals.
However, it is clear the Moroccan has little intention of remaining at the London Stadium for much longer, with the 29-year-old pushing to leave before the deadline, amid interest from the likes of Sunderland, AC Milan and AS Roma.
In fact, the Keinitra-born defender is well-known to have refused to travel to Nottingham Forest for yesterday's Premier League clash, with the centre-back taking drastic action to try and force through an exit.
However, ExWHUEmployee has now revealed that the club could be hesitant to sanction a departure, should they be unable to find an adequate replacement in time, with Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis among the potential options.
Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks dejected as he applauds fans after the match
Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks dejected as he applauds fans after the match
The West Ham insider said: "The club have yet to confirm any bid as yet from Marseille or Sunderland and even if they did would have to make a decision as to whether it is worth accepting and whether a replacement could be lined up in time.
"The club have looked at other defenders and one we exclusively revealed at the start of the window and we still have interest in us Charlie Cresswell, ironically he plays in France for Toulouse.
"Should Aguerd leave, and at the moment it seems the club would rather he stayed, we could move for a third Southampton player. This is player is Taylor Harwood-Bellis. He is on a list of potential centre back replacements."
"Incredible" Harwood-Bellis could be solid Aguerd replacement
Although the Saints were relegated without putting up much of a fight last season, the 23-year-old clearly enjoyed a decent campaign on a personal level, having picked up his first cap for England, scoring on his debut against Ireland.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also singled out his former player for high praise last season, saying: "He’s an incredible threat for Southampton from set pieces and a composer when they have the ball because the manager insists the way they have to play, they have to be close, to move differently."
With Aguerd clearly eager to leave, West Ham shouldn't stand in his way, should a deal for Harwood-Bellis be possible, and a move wouldn't break the bank, with a £20m price tag being touted earlier this summer.