Nottingham Forest are now back in the chase to sign Manchester City and England Under-21 youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The centre-back is a wanted man following his exploits at the U21 European Championships which England won.
According to Alan Nixon from The Sun, Forest are at the front of the queue for Harwood-Bellis. It had been anticipated that the player would go to the Championship; with Leeds, Leicester and Southampton all keen on him.
However, those three teams have been put off by the £15 million valuation. As a result, Forest are now thought to be back among the interested teams willing to sign him.
Harwood-Bellis was the England captain at the recent under-21 tournament. He was tasked with leading the group and it was also his job to head up and lift the trophy at the end.
Last season proved a successful one for the defender. With Harwood-Bellis at the heart of the defensive unit, Vincent Kompany led his Burnley side to promotion at an absolute canter.
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Heading back to Burnley doesn’t look like an option for the defender at this stage. At 21-years-old; he will now feel he can move to a bigger club and he will hope to continue playing regularly.
Harwood-Bellis has actually played for Manchester City. He’s made eight appearances and after a Carabao Cup outing against Oxford in 2019, Raheem Sterling called him ‘fantastic’ for his efforts.
Forest leading the chase to sign Harwood-Bellis
The centre-back would be a quality addition to the Forest ranks. He has showcased throughout his young career that he doesn’t mind playing in a number of central defensive systems.
Harwood-Bellis is the sort of signing that would delight Steve Cooper. He’s a natural talent when it comes to working wonders with younger players and the City man could benefit.
With Felipe still nursing an injury and Moussa Niakhate on his way back from a dislocated elbow; it’s clear that Forest need another defender this summer.
Furthermore, Scott McKenna will be out of contract in 12 months. With that in mind, Forest could get themselves sorted for his departure, with this capture.
Harwood-Bellis is a quality player and he will only get better. At £15 million he could represent a bit of a steal. As a result, Forest should do whatever it takes to get this one done.