Leeds United initiate “tentative” talks with £15m-rated title-winning centre-back – Journalist

Leeds United are said to have held tentative talks with Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis over a potential move this month.

Daniel Farke’s side is not yet complete as we head towards the first game of the season this weekend, with the defence needing recruits very soon.

Max Wöber being the third centre-back exit of the summer for Leeds means the Whites are going to need a new signing very soon.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Leeds?

Journalist Alan Nixon revealed that Leeds are one of a few sides interested in signing Manchester City centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

It comes after the centre-back had a stunning season on loan at Burnley last term, where he helped Vincent Kompany’s side to the league title in the second tier.

His value is reportedly set at £15million by the treble-winners, even though he only has less than a year left on his contract.

What’s the latest?

LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross has now revealed that the club have in fact held initial talks with the 21-year-old over his potential transfer this summer.

“It remains to be seen how keen Leeds are to pursue Harwood-Bellis. Hammond and Gary Penrice, a scout who previously worked with Hammond at Celtic, are understood to have lodged tentative enquiries with the player’s representatives.”

Leeds are going to be joined by other clubs for his signature, and after winning the league at Turf Moor last term, Premier League interest is likely.

“Top-flight interest would be hard for Leeds to compete with given what Harwood-Bellis has already achieved in the second tier, but if those clubs do not make a deal work, the Whites would arguably be the most attractive proposition in the Championship.

“It would not be a surprise to see City offer their youngster a new contract this summer. New terms would protect his value in the short-term and perhaps suit a loan exit with an obligation to buy at the end of it.”

Leeds v Cardiff predictions?

Harwood-Bellis would be one of the best signings of the summer in the Championship if we could pull it off, he’s that good.

After signing Ethan Ampadu, it shows there’s scope there for us to make this calibre of signing, and the Man City man would be a similar coup.

I doubt we would be able to throw down £15million to bring him in this summer, but a loan-to-buy agreement could be the way forward for us.