It is no secret that Leeds United are interested in the signing of Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Graham Smyth has said that the young Englishman is on Leeds’ transfer target list this summer. It comes after The Sun (30/7; page 59), said we are keen. but what do we know about him?
Here are five facts on Harwood-Bellis that make him standout from the rest.
Champions League appearance
Whilst making his second appearance for City, Harwood-Bellis featured in the Champions League group stage.
He came off the bench in the 82nd minute during a 4-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb back in 2019 when he was just 17 years old.
Euros Champion
It is no secret that England Under-21s lifted the European Championship this summer.
The youngster captained the Three Lions youngsters to glory, beating Spain 1-0 in the final.
Harwood-Bellis marshalled a defence that did not concede a single goal throughout the tournament as he made his way into the Team of the Tournament.
Championship success
The boy is certainly a winner.
Prior to lifting the Under-21s Euros, the City talent was part of the Burnley side that clinched the Championship title last season.
He was a regular for the Clarets as they won the league under Vincent Kompany.
Move overseas
Harwood-Bellis’ second loan spell away from the Etihad was overseas to Belgian top flight outfit Anderlecht, also under Kompany.
He made 16 league appearances whilst in Belgium, showing desire to develop his game in unfamiliar territory.
Scoring for City
The centre-back may have only featured for City on a handful of occasions, but he has a goal to his name in the record books.
Whilst he was just 18 years of age, Harwood-Bellis featured for the Cityzens against Port Vale in the FA Cup.
He scored from close range as he helped his side run out comfortable 4-1 winners before signing a new contract later that year.
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