Will Still drops clear Taylor Harwood-Bellis claim as West Ham eye Southampton star | OneFootball

Saints boss Will Still has provided an update on the future of defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Southampton boss Will Still has reiterated that defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis is not for sale, despite retained interest from Premier League side West Ham.

The South Coast outfit have had a mixed start on their return to the Championship, tasting one win, two draws and one defeat as they undergo a transitional process.

With the natural cuts that relegation brings, Southampton have been focused on revamping the playing squad in order to compete towards the top end of the table, bringing in eight players, including the likes of Finn Azaz and Tom Fellows.

Meanwhile, high-profile exits have followed during the window, with Tyler Dibling switching to Everton, Mateus Fernandes joining West Ham and Aaron Ramsdale departing on loan to Newcastle United.

Now, another one of their first-team assets has been touted with a move away from St Mary’s, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ future called into question over the course of this summer.

As the Hammers maintain a solid interest in securing the 23-year-old’s services, Saints boss Will Still has provided a key insight into where his future lies come the 7pm deadline.

Will Still insists Taylor Harwood-Bellis is not for sale

As per the Daily Echo, Southampton boss Will Still has confirmed Taylor Harwood-Bellis is not for sale, despite late interest emerging from West Ham.

The Sun had recently reported that Graham Potter was eyeing up bolstering the backline with the one-cap England international, as the London outfit have conceded eight goals in their opening three top-flight games.

However, it would cost the Hammers £20m to secure a deal, with the club also having Toulouse central defender Charlie Cresswell on their list of targets to pursue.

When asked about Harwood-Bellis’ future, Still said: "They want another one of our players?

“I don’t think Taylor was ever for sale to be honest. I love West Ham, but (they can) stay off him.”

Harwood-Bellis didn’t make the squad for their opening day victory over Wrexham, but has since started and completed 90 minutes in their last three games, as well as getting on the scoresheet in a defeat to Stoke City.

Will Still's resounding response means Taylor Harwood-Bellis will stay at Southampton

Deadline Day can produce some remarkable twists and turns, but Will Still’s short but powerful response indicates that Taylor Harwood-Bellis is going nowhere.

The defender is set to be a huge part of Still’s plans as they aim to bounce back immediately with promotion back to the Premier League, and the 23-year-old is a brilliant asset to have in the backline after already recording promotion on his CV with the Saints two years ago.

That type of experience could be vital to seeing the club fight towards the top end of the table once again, and him remaining will go a long way towards the club having a successful campaign.