West Ham United are now keen on a summer move for an “exceptional” Premier League player, who could be available for a fee of around £15m, according to a report.
West Ham chasing new defenders
Signing a striker may be the first port of call for Graham Potter this summer, with Lille’s Jonathan David recently being identified as the manager’s top target, but the manager is also interested in refreshing his defensive options.
Millwall’s Japhet Tanganga is one of the players on the shortlist, having emerged as a key player for the Lions in the Championship this season, although it remains to be seen whether West Ham will be able to lure him away from a rival club.
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Tanganga has Premier League experience from his time with Tottenham Hotspur, and there are now suggestions the Hammers could also be eyeing a player who is currently plying his trade in the top flight.
According to a report from The Sun, the Irons are keen on a move for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who could be keen on a move away from his current club this summer, with the Saints looking extremely likely to drop to the Championship.
Harwood-Bellis has recently changed agent, which can indicate a player is set to pursue a move, and Southampton would be likely to demand a fee of around £15m, which would make him an affordable option for West Ham, who are keen on new additions at the back.
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West Ham United’s upcoming Premier League fixtures |
Date |
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Leicester City (h) |
February 27th |
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Newcastle United (h) |
March 10th |
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Everton (a) |
March 15th |
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Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) |
April 1st |
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AFC Bournemouth (h) |
April 5th |
Harwood-Bellis impressing for club and country
It has been a far from ideal season for the Saints, who look set to be relegated from the Premier League, but the 23-year-old has been one of the only shining lights in a poor side, ranking among their most consistent performers.
The Englishman’s form earlier this season earned him a Three Lions call-up, and he certainly made the most of the opportunity, scoring the fifth goal in a 5-0 battering of the Republic of Ireland.
The former Manchester City man has been a consistent goal threat over the past year, ranking in the 85th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, while his defensive ability has also been on display, placing in the 99th percentile for blocks, when compared to his positional peers.
The Southampton ace has also been lauded as “exceptional” by members of the media in the past, and his performances this season indicate he definitely deserves another chance in the Premier League.
As such, West Ham should pursue a deal for Harwood-Bellis this summer, particularly considering a £15m asking price is very reasonable, and the Saints are set to be in a weak negotiating position if they drop back down to the Championship.
