Burnley FC plotting transfer reunion with Southampton player

Burnley are eyeing a move to bring Taylor Harwood-Bellis back to the club from Southampton.

According to Alan Nixon, the Clarets are keen on the centre-back following their promotion to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old helped the Lancashire outfit gain promotion under Vincent Kompany during the 2022/23 campaign, featuring 32 times as they clinched the Championship title.

He made the switch to Southampton in the summer of 2023, and spent last season competing in the Premier League, making 34 top flight appearances.

Burnley eye Taylor Harwood-Bellis reunion after Southampton relegation

Scott Parker is reportedly keen to bring Harwood-Bellis back to Burnley this summer ahead of their top flight return.

The Clarets are eyeing either a permanent or loan deal with the Hampshire outfit for the defender, who suffered relegation from the Premier League with the Saints.

It’s believed that any temporary offer would likely come with an option to buy, but it remains to be seen whether Southampton would be open to any kind of deal.

Nixon’s report has also claimed that West Ham are also interested in the defender, but a lack of funds could prevent them from seriously competing in the race for his signature.

It is understood that the Hammers will only pursue Harwood-Bellis if someone is sold and a hole in the squad needs to be filled.

Parker is looking to improve his side ahead of Burnley’s return to the Premier League, with the team earning automatic promotion with a second place finish in the Championship.

Harwood-Bellis initially joined Southampton on loan in the summer of 2023, helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League in his first campaign at St Mary’s.

The centre-back has made a total of 74 league appearances for the Saints since joining from Manchester City.

However, relegation from the Premier League last season means that Will Still’s side are now preparing for life back in the second division.

Burnley’s impressive defensive record was key to their promotion success, but they have lost CJ Egan-Riley to Marseille already this transfer window.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis move would make sense for Burnley

Burnley will need defensive reinforcement this summer after losing Egan-Riley, and Harwood-Bellis would be an upgrade on the defender.

The cost of the deal remains unclear, and the Clarets should avoid spending too much of their budget on this move given their replacing someone who left for nothing.

Southampton’s relegation might help alleviate any concerns over the cost, and the fact Harwood-Bellis knows the club should help convince him to make the switch.

That Burnley are back in the Premier League will also help, so this move should just hinge on convincing Southampton to part ways with the player.

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