West Ham United could look to complete a move for one of the Premier League's relegated stars in the coming months, according to reports - with club chiefs having made contact over a potential move for Southampton man Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The Hammers spent big last summer, but results didn't quite go their way under Julen Lopetegui and despite Graham Potter's best efforts, results didn't go the way they wanted with a 14th-placed finish. The Hammers need more investment, and that could see them land the England international in the summer to appease their new manager ahead of potential top-half finish hopes.
West Ham need recruitments in the summer to turn their poor form around
Taylor Harwood-Bellis
The report by TEAMtalk states that West Ham have stepped up their interest in signing Harwood-Bellis over the summer, with the Hammers launching an enquiry over his availability.
Harwood-Bellis' Premier League statistics - Southampton squad ranking
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Appearances
Clearances Per Game
Blocks Per Game
Aerials Won Per Game
Match rating
The Saints star signed on the south coast permanently last season after achieving promotion from the second-tier, due to his £20million promotion clause being activated after their win over Leeds United at Wembley - but their immediate relegation from the top-flight means that he's willing to get back to the Premier League.
With that in mind, Harwood-Bellis is likely to move as he wants to keep continuing playing in the top-flight - and West Ham have been in contact with Southampton over a potential summer move.
Harwood-Bellis has impressed scouts, making 38 appearances in all competitions and scoring three goals - and at 23 years old and an England international, there is space to develop from being an 'incredible' star by Pep Guardiola.
The former Manchester City youth academy graduate came through the same system as Cole Palmer, Liam Delap and Phil Foden - and the Hammers will be hoping that the Saints star can follow in the same footsteps as his former teammates to become a top Premier League star.
Defending has been a real issue for the Saints this season, having ended the season with 86 goals conceded in the division - the most out of any team in the league.
But West Ham aren't far behind, with only five teams being worse than them and Harwood-Bellis' credentials on both the international and Championship stage have proven that he has a Premier League future.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 25-05-25.
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