According to Darren Witcoop, Leeds United lost out to Southampton in the race to recruit Manchester City’s Taylor Hardwood-Bellis.
On Thursday [31 August], the Sunday Mirror journalist announced on his own Twitter account that the Saints are nearing a loan agreement.
England U21 international Harwood-Bellis has piqued the curiosity of a number of Championship clubs, including Leeds.
![Taylor Harwood-Bellis](https://i0.wp.com/www.flashfootballnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Taylor-Harwood-Bellis-4_11zon.jpg?resize=1140%2C783&ssl=1)
“Southampton now expected to seal loan signing of Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis,” Witcoop tweeted.
“A number of Championship clubs, including Leeds, were interested in the England Under-21 international.”
Shame
Leeds would have made a significant show of purpose if they had defeated competition from second-tier opponents for Harwood-Bellis.
As it stands, promotion favourites Southampton appear to be closing in on a deal to bolster an already formidable squad.
![Leeds United](https://i0.wp.com/www.flashfootballnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Leeds-United_11zon-1.jpg?resize=1140%2C783&ssl=1)
Harwood-Bellis, a City defender, is effectively a £15 million player dropping down a tier, so it’s easy to see why there was so much interest.
It is unknown how far along Leeds’ interest was at this point, but it is nonetheless frustrating to have missed out.
![Taylor Harwood-Bellis](https://i0.wp.com/www.flashfootballnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Taylor-Harwood-Bellis-6_11zon.jpg?resize=1024%2C703&ssl=1)
Getting Joe Rodon from Tottenham earlier in the transfer window was a coup in and of itself, with the Welshman partnering Pascal Struijk at the back for Daniel Farke‘s men.
The Whites have failed to keep a clean sheet in six games this season, indicating that the backline could use some tightening up.
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