Southampton beat Leeds United in race to sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis in last-gasp loan deal
Leeds United have missed out to Southampton in the race to sign Taylor Hardwood-Bellis from Manchester City, according to Darren Witcoop.
The Sunday Mirror journalist posted on his personal Twitter account on Thursday [31 August] that the Saints are close to sealing the loan signing.
England U21 international Harwood-Bellis has been attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs, Leeds among them.
Witcoop tweeted: “Southampton now expected to seal the loan signing of Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
“The England Under-21 international had interest from a host of Championship clubs including Leeds.”
Shame
This would have been a major statement of intent from Leeds had they seen off competition from their second-tier rivals for Harwood-Bellis.
As it is, promotion favourites Southampton now look set to get a deal over the line as they strengthen an already strong squad.
City defender Harwood-Bellis is effectively a £15million player dropping down a division, so it is understandable why there was so much interest.
It is not known at this stage just how advanced Leeds were with their interest, but it is nonetheless disappointing to have missed out.
Still, landing Joe Rodon from Tottenham earlier in the window was a coup in itself, with the Welshman partnering Pascal Struijk at the back for Daniel Farke’s men.
The Whites have yet to keep a clean sheet in six outings this campaign, though, so it is clear that the backline could still do with some tightening up.
In other Leeds United news, Ao Tanaka has spoken for the first time since his proposed move to Elland Road fell through.