Everton transfer news: Sky Sports pundit reacts as Taylor Harwood-Bellis wanted from Manchester City amid Burnley push
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell would not be surprised if Everton pushed to sign a young centre-back this summer in the form of Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
TEAMtalk reported on 3 July that the Toffees were in the race for the 21-year-old Manchester City defender after a stand-out season on loan at Burnley last term, with the promoted Clarets also hoping to sign him permanently.
Ex-Goodison captain Campbell has compared the youngster to former Everton and current City star John Stones after Harwood-Bellis captained the England under-21s to European Championship glory this summer, and is very impressed with his ability on the ball.
The Sky Sports pundit exclusively spoke to Goodison News and said: “Yeah, done really well at Burnley didn’t he, and he’s done well with the under-21s again.
“[They hadn’t] conceded a goal all tournament, which is fantastic under ex-Evertonian Lee Carsley.
“He’s a decent player. He’s very good on the ball, a bit like John Stones when he came, a good passer.
“He’s got the experience now of playing a full season in the Championship, which as you know is a tough league.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Everton made a move for a younger centre-back.”
With Yerry Mina having left at the expiry of his contract, and now-Leicester man Conor Coady’s loan from Wolves not made permanent there is space in the centre-back rotation.
Jarrad Branthwaite is currently in line to join that group under Sean Dyche after Everton held off strong interest from PSV where he spent last season.
But with Mason Holgate also expected to leave it would certainly be an encouraging development to land Harwood-Bellis after his recent success, but with Wolves, Brighton and Fulham also interested as well as Burnley it is going to be a tough battle to win.
In other Everton news, three men the Toffees want to sign are now pushing for a move this summer.