Southampton have rejected an offer from West Ham United for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs has revealed.
The London Stadium side are looking to bring in a new centre-back ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline and have identified Harwood-Bellis as a target alongside Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi.
The Frenchman is closing in on a loan move to West Ham, with talks advancing to the final stages for Disasi to become the club’s fifth arrival of the window.
West Ham have also struck deals for forwards Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe and Adama Traore, while winger Keiber Lamadrid has joined on loan.
Southampton Reject Bid for Harwood-Bellis
Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis
According to Jacobs, West Ham’s bid for Harwood-Bellis was below Southampton’s pricing for the defender and was rejected out of hand.
Harwood-Bellis has been a key player for the Saints this season, making 24 starts in the Championship and scoring four goals.
The ‘incredible’ 24-year-old joined Southampton from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 and has over two years remaining on his contract, which runs until June 2028.
West Ham are a central defender short following Igor Julio’s return to Brighton, after the Brazilian spent the first part of the season on loan at the London Stadium.
Espirito Santo's options are limited to just three senior centre-backs – Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos – ahead of Saturday’s visit to Chelsea.
Ricardo Pepi Turns Down West Ham
Ricardo Pepi celebrates a goal for the United StatesCredit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Fulham target Ricardo Pepi has reportedly turned down a move to West Ham despite late advances from the Premier League side.
The 23-year-old is waiting to join Fulham ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, with the Craven Cottage club anticipated to test PSV’s resolve with another offer.
Fulham have already seen two bids rejected by the Eredivisie side, who are holding out for a fee of €35m (£30.4m) for the centre-forward.
The Dutch club are not actively looking to sell the 23-year-old and will insist on having a replacement lined up before sanctioning his exit.
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