West Ham United have had an offer for Taylor Harwood-Bellis rejected by Southampton in the early hours of this morning.
The bid is understood to have been £12.5 million and, contrary to reports late last night, was not a loan proposal. As Claret & Hugh reported yesterday, West Ham were fully aware that any approach would need to be a permanent transfer, but Southampton are said to be “reluctant sellers”.
Harwood-Bellis is represented by agent Will Salthouse, who is known to be close to David Sullivan. On that basis, it is safe to assume the player himself would be open to a move to the London Stadium.
Time Pressure Builds Before Deadline
West Ham are expected to return with an improved offer, but time is rapidly running out with the transfer window due to close on Monday.
Complicating matters further, West Ham face Chelsea later today, while Southampton travel to Stoke City for their lunchtime fixture. That schedule is likely to place negotiations on hold, at least temporarily.
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With the clock ticking, this one is finely poised — and may yet test just how determined Sullivan and West Ham really are to strengthen the defence before the window shuts.