According to the Manchester Evening News, Leeds have been watching Manchester City’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis closely.
The report claims that Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been attracted to the 19-year-old, who is currently starring on loan at Blackburn.
Leeds aren’t the only side interested. The MEN add that Brighton, as well as sides from the Bundesliga, have been eyeing the teenager.
If Bielsa truly is keen on the England Under-20 international, then at least the centre-back has already been given Pep Guardiola’s seal of approval.
The Spaniard described Harwood-Bellis as ‘exceptional’ after he and Eric Garcia shone in a 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Preston back in September 2019.
Goal quote the ex-Barcelona boss as saying: “I am pleased a lot with Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis at the back, they helped us a lot.
“They combined, they suit each other perfectly and they have played in the academy every weekend. They are exceptional human beings with a good mentality. I am very pleased.”
For a manager of Guardiola’s stature – with the chequebook to sign almost anyone he wants – to notice the Stockport-born defender’s ability is telling.
If he’s good enough for Guardiola, then he’s good enough for most managers on the planet, surely.
At just 19, Harwood-Bellis would be an ideal signing for Bielsa to get his hands on and coach into a star.
The man with two Premier League 2 goals this season has already racked up 19 first-team appearances throughout his career.
At his age, that is invaluable experience.
You only need to look at what Bielsa did with Ben White to see how he can develop young defenders.
As aforesaid, Leeds have some competitions for Harwood-Bellis.
However, if they can fend off others, they would be getting an excellent young prospect, to say the least.
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