Southampton Defender Back On West Ham Radar After Spygate Controversy

West Ham have once again been linked with a move for Taylor Harwood-Bellis in a reported £20m transfer.

The Southampton defender has found himself in the headlines over the last couple of days following his celebration after Shea Charles scored the winning goal in the play-off semi-final.

Harwood-Bellis was seen mimicking binoculars towards Aidan Morris in what was clearly intended as a dig over Southampton’s recent spying scandal.

And frankly, it was all a bit embarrassing and cringeworthy.

Harwood-Bellis Excuse Falls Flat

The twice-capped England defender — and son-in-law of Roy Keane — has since attempted to play ignorant, claiming Southampton’s players had not fully been briefed on the seriousness of the situation.

Personally, I think that excuse is every bit as weak as some of his defending and I’d love to know how Keane reacted to the contrived mockery.

From where I was sitting, he knew exactly what he was doing.

And considering Middlesbrough themselves had done absolutely nothing wrong, it came across as a pretty unedifying way to taunt the opposition.

Harwood Bellis

West Ham Previously Tried To Sign Him

West Ham were previously linked with the former Manchester City academy defender during the January transfer window.

However, the Hammers ultimately decided not to pursue an opening £12m bid any further and instead moved for Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea.

So it’s hardly surprising to now see the links resurfacing once again.

That said, it is only fair to repeat that Claret & Hugh have consistently been informed by a source close to the club that there are currently no transfer negotiations taking place in or out of West Ham whilst the club’s Premier League future remains unresolved.

Southampton Players Expected To Leave

It is unsurprising that a number of Southampton players are now being linked with exits.

After all, the Saints have missed out on an immediate return to the Premier League and will also begin next season with a four-point deduction in the Championship before a ball has even been kicked.