Everton now want to sign 21-year-old Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis this summer, though there is competition for his signature.
The centre-back, once described as ‘brilliant’ by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, spent last season on loan at Burnley, who would like to retain the youngster for at least another season.
Indeed, alongside Burnley and Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Wolves all also see Harwood-Bellis as a target this summer.
That is according to TEAMtalk, though they also report that Manchester City have not yet decided whether or not they want to keep the 21-year-old.
Harwood-Bellis made 35 appearances for Burnley last season as Vincent Kompany’s side secured promotion to the Premier League.
With Kompany’s Manchester City connections, the Belgian coach may just have the edge when it comes to securing Harwood-Bellis’ signature, having also worked with the youngster during a loan spell at Anderlecht.
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Everton in PL race to secure Harwood-Bellis signature
The young defender has just one year remaining on his current contract in Manchester, so if the Sky Blues would be looking to sell, now is the time.
Everton will be looking to rebuild their defense with Yerry Mina departing on a free transfer this summer, and the on-loan Conor Coady returning to parent club Wolves, before signing for Leicester City.
The future of Mason Holgate also remains unresolved as Sean Dyche begins his first summer transfer window with the club.
Such a sought-after and highly-regarded young player would be a superb addition to Everton’s squad, and at just 21-years-old, the defender could have a high resale value.
Capped for England up to U-21 level, Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be one to watch this season, wherever he ends up, as the young defender has bags of potential.
Indeed, if Pep Guardiola rates him, and Sean Dyche wants to buy him, he could be the ideal signing for the Toffees this summer