Everton are reportedly keeping tabs on Burnley’s center-back, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who played a key role in helping Burnley secure an immediate promotion to the Premier League last season, writes the PRT.
Harwood-Bellis, a product of Manchester City’s youth system, spent the previous season on loan at Turf Moor and impressed as Burnley clinched the Championship title. While signing a center-back is not an immediate priority for Everton, recent rumors have linked them with a move for Blackburn’s Scott Wharton, another Championship defender.
This interest in bolstering their defensive options may be due to Everton’s release of Conor Coady and Yerry Mina, as well as uncertainties surrounding the futures of Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite. Consequently, it is likely that Everton will need to bring in at least one new center-back this summer, despite other areas of the squad requiring strengthening.
At 21 years old, Harwood-Bellis has shown promise in his ability to effectively distribute the ball and perform defensive duties, including his aerial prowess. These attributes make him an exciting prospect and a player who has the potential to become a top-quality defender in the Premier League.
Everton, along with several other top-flight clubs, have expressed interest in Harwood-Bellis, and Burnley is understandably keen to retain his services for the upcoming season. However, considering the abundance of world-class talent at Manchester City, particularly in the center-back position, it is unlikely that Harwood-Bellis will feature at the Etihad next season. Therefore, it is probable that Manchester City will allow Harwood-Bellis to leave again, either on loan or potentially on a permanent basis.