West Ham’s loan offer for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been turned down, according to Sky Sports.
The 24-year-old is reportedly receptive to the switch, but Southampton is determined to retain him and will only consider his departure if their demands are met.
Advertisement
This season, Harwood-Bellis has been a key player for the Saints, starting in their last 17 league games. He initially joined Southampton on loan from Manchester City in 2023, contributing to the team’s promotion to the Premier League, which led to a £20 million permanent transfer. Even after Southampton’s relegation in 2025, the center-back has remained a vital member of the squad.
His impressive performances earned him an England debut in November 2024, where he scored on his first outing for the national team.
West Ham is actively seeking to bolster their defense as the transfer window approaches its close. Despite securing victories in their past two league matches, they are still entrenched in a relegation battle, currently positioned 18th in the Premier League.
Additionally, the Hammers are considering a move for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. However, Chelsea prefers to sell the 27-year-old rather than sanction a loan, with interest from both Roma and Lyon reported.
This Saturday, West Ham will visit Stamford Bridge to challenge Chelsea as they aim to gain momentum in their fight for survival.
GFN | Finn Entwistle