Momentum is finally building at the London Stadium.
West Ham have strung together three consecutive victories for the first time in what feels like an age, seeing off QPR in the FA Cup before recording back-to-back Premier League wins over Tottenham and Sunderland.
That mini-run has breathed fresh belief into Nuno Espírito Santo’s survival push, even if the Hammers remain firmly in the relegation fight.
January has largely been about adding punch at the top end of the pitch, with Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe and Adama Traoré all arriving to freshen up the forward line.
Now, attention is shifting to the other end of the pitch — and shoring up a defence that has caused West Ham plenty of problems this season.
West Ham Considering Harwood-Bellis Move
Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis. (Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)
Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis. (Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)
West Ham are “considering” a late move for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.
Nuno is keen to strengthen his defensive options before the window closes, and the Hammers are understood to be revisiting their interest in the England international after previously tracking him during the summer.
Harwood-Bellis — described as “fantastic” by Football League World pundits — has been a key figure for Southampton, making 26 appearances in all competitions this season after featuring heavily during their Premier League campaign last year.
The Manchester City academy graduate is viewed internally as a strong fit for West Ham’s needs, combining physicality, composure on the ball and a surprising goal threat. He has already chipped in with four goals and two assists from the back in the league this term, adding to the three goals he scored last season.
West Ham could attempt to accelerate talks in the coming hours, but any deal is likely to be complicated. Southampton are pushing for promotion and will be reluctant to part with such an influential player unless a significant offer is placed on the table.
Still, with survival on the line, the Hammers may decide that a late defensive reinforcement like Harwood-Bellis is a gamble worth taking.