Defensively this season just gone, West Ham started poorly, got significantly worse and rallied – a little- as Potter reduced the ‘goals conceded’ column. Clearly the side he inherited needs major improvement and further investment for next season. In a move to upgrade the centre backs, West Ham are reported to have moved already for a young England defender.
According to teamtalk then Hammers have finally got off the fence and launched their enquiry to Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, their young English centre-back who faces relegation unless rescued from his St Mary’s fate. West Ham have been linked with Harwood-Bellis since the winter when it was believed the Saints were resistant to discussing his leaving mid-season even though their Premier League campaign was pretty much doomed by the new year.
According to teamtalk’s ‘exclusive’:
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“West Ham are serious about signing the defender and have identified him as a key summer target. The Irons are aware of the fact he is wanted by several other Premier League clubs and aim to anticipate any rival moves by striking an agreement first.”
Which comes as bad news for the Hammers’ error-prone Konstantinos Mavropanos who would seem the defender most likely to be replaced: Whilst the Greek was a mainstay of the defence for the early part of the season he has found himself on the bench more in recent games.
With the pending return on from loan of Nayef Aguerd, it seems more than likely that ‘Mav’ will make way for Harwood-Bells in Graham Potter’s preferred three at the back system with funds raised from a sale of the former Arsenal man going towards the summer rebuild.