Will Still faces first major Southampton challenge as Burnley and West Ham target key man

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It’s just under a month since Will Still was hired by Southampton, and he has already started to make in-roads in the transfer market.

The Saints are looking for an instant return to the Premier League, following their record-breaking campaign in 2024/25, in which they picked up just 12 points from their 38 games – only Derby County have picked up fewer points in the division over the course of a season.

A new manager allows for a fresh start at St. Mary’s and Still is one of the most exciting and promising young coaches in the game, but he has very little experience in England and he will need pre-season to get up to speed with his team and the league.

While there is a desire to bring in new faces, with Southampton interested in Juma Bah, keeping hold of key players will be tough and two Premier League sides are now circling one of those.

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Southampton face interest in Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Burnley and West Ham

Still must improve the Saints defensively this summer, but fresh interest in Taylor Harwood-Bellis will not help him.

Alan Nixon has reported that Premier League sides Burnley and West Ham United are looking to offer the 23-year-old a reprieve following relegation as the centre-back looks to return to the top flight.

Nixon said: “Burnley boss Scott Parker is keen to bring Taylor Harwood-Bellis back for a second spell. Southampton centre-half Harwood-Bellis helped the Clarets win promotion under Vincent Kompany during a loan spell when he was at Manchester City.

“And now Burnley are interested in having Harwood-Bellis either as a buy or probably a loan-with-a-view deal. West Ham are big fans of Harwood-Bellis but they have a limited budget and would only make a serious move if they sell and need to fill a hole.

“Burnley have lost CJ Egan-Riley to Marseille for nothing at the end of his contract. He quit because they would not pay a huge agent’s fee. Harwood-Bellis is facing a season in the Championship with Southampton so a second spell at Burnley would suit him.”

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Taylor Harwood-Bellis would be a huge loss to the Saints

Harwood-Bellis was one of few bright sparks for Southampton last season, and without him, they would have easily finished on fewer points than they did.

The defender picked up his first England cap back in November, and he has a very bright future. However, his development will be hindered by playing in the Championship and he must find himself in the Premier League in 2025/26.

Burnley, who are also interested in Teden Mengi, could offer Harwood-Bellis a place straight in the starting XI, and with his previous success at the club, it just makes sense for the Southampton man to move to Turf Moor.