West Ham United’s opening bid for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis was ‘typical’ of the club according to one journalist but another says the move ‘has legs’.
The Hammers have been linked with a move for Saints star Taylor Harwood-Bellis for over a year now.
West Ham held early talks about signing Harwood-Bellis from Southampton last February ahead of an anticipated summer bid for the England centre-back, but a move never transpired.
Lines of communication between West Ham and Southampton are well established in recent years with several players moving between the clubs including James Ward-Prowse, Flynn Downes, Kyle Walker-Peters, Maxwel Cornet and Mateus Fernandes.
Nuno Espirito Santo wants to sign a new central defender before Monday night’s transfer deadline and that has seen new contact made between West Ham and the Saints.
West Ham re-open lines of communication with Saints over star
When the window closes, West Ham will have to go with what they have in a bid to try and stay in the Premier League.
So the pressure is on.
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West Ham United's James Ward-Prowse during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on September 20, 2025 in London, England.
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Wins over Spurs and Sunderland have breathed new life into Hammers’ hopes – but Nuno’s side have a serious problem in keeping clean sheets.
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West Ham are yet to stop the opposition scoring against them since the Portuguese took over in September and have only kept one clean sheet in all competitions this season.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis playing for Southampton against Hull City.
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With the second worst defence in the top flight, it is clear the Irons need to improve that area of the team.
Talks have been ongoing with Chelsea about West Ham taking Axel Disasi on loan.
But the Blues are believed to prefer a permanent deal.
That has seen West Ham pivot back to Southampton for Harwood-Bellis.
With less than three days to get a deal done in such a vital position, West Ham may need to cough up if they are to give themselves the best possible chance of staying on the Premier League gravy train.
Bid for Harwood-Bellis ‘typical’ West Ham but move ‘has legs’
However, the bid for Saints star Harwood-Bellis was ‘typical’ of West Ham according to one journalist.
But the move ‘has legs’ according to another well-placed reporter.
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Southampton reporter Alfie House, of The Daily Echo, has revealed West Ham’s offer for Harwood-Bellis was in eight figures – ie: over £10m – but still ‘well below what Saints would accept, especially in January’.
House then aimed a dig at the Hammers saying the offer was structured in typical West Ham fashion – paid over many years.
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“Hard no from the club in response to that one,” House said.
Another reporter with strong sources at Southampton is talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
And he paints a very different picture of the situation, saying a deal between West Ham and Saints for Harwood-Bellis is gaining momentum.
“Hardwood-Bellis to West Ham gaining legs,” Crook said.
West Ham have bid £12.5m for Harwood-Bellis
Hammers News understands West Ham’s bid was around £12.5m – some £2.5m less than Saints paid to sign Harwood-Bellis from Man City.
It should be noted, Echo reporter House consistently played down West Ham’s chances of signing Fernandes in the summer – even claiming Saints would not sell for less than £60m before the eventually signed the brilliant midfielder for £40m.
Harwood-Bellis has made 26 appearances for Saints this season, all as a starter with an average match rating of over 7/10.
The centre-back has scored four goals and laid on an assist in that time too.
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