“SHOCKING Allen Exclusive: West Ham FORCED to Splash £30M+ in DESPERATE Bid for Southampton’s STAR Sensation!”

West Ham United have expressed interest in 23-year-old centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, following his first full Premier League campaign with Southampton, which ended in relegation.

Despite the Saints’ struggles—earning just 12 points over the season—Harwood-Bellis managed to impress enough to earn a senior England call-up last November.

That recognition could now drive up his market value, with Southampton expected to demand a significant initial fee along with potential performance-based bonuses for his transfer.

As the club adjusts to life in the Championship under new head coach Will Still, several changes are anticipated at St Mary’s this summer.

One of the first could be the departure of some high-profile players, with Mateus Fernandes already linked with a potential exit ahead of the transfer window.

Harwood-Bellis, who joined Southampton for £20 million last summer, has reportedly attracted early interest from West Ham, according to TEAMtalk (24 May).

In light of this, former manager Martin Allen—who previously managed Brentford and Leicester City—believes Southampton could negotiate lucrative add-on clauses in any transfer deal.

“I genuinely believe he’s better than the centre-backs currently at West Ham,” Allen told West Ham Zone. “He’s young, plays on the right side, and has already broken into the England squad.”

Allen praised the defender’s performances, noting, “I’ve seen him live several times—he’s committed, wholehearted, and performed well.

At that age, if I were Graham Potter, I’d want him in the squad. £20 million seems fair in today’s market.”

He added that Southampton should structure the deal with incentive-based bonuses. “If West Ham qualify for Europe, Southampton could receive another £5 million.

If he plays for England, that’s another £5 million. That way, if he excels, the selling club is rewarded too.”

However, West Ham may hesitate over the price tag. Southampton could seek more than £30 million for a player with limited top-flight experience.

Although Harwood-Bellis shows promise, such a fee might be seen as excessive by some at the London Stadium.

Still, with new manager Graham Potter aiming to reinforce the squad, especially in defence, a move could be justified.

If paired with someone like Max Kilman, Harwood-Bellis could become part of a long-term defensive partnership for the Hammers.

The decision could ultimately come down to whether West Ham are willing to meet Southampton’s valuation and gamble on Harwood-Bellis fulfilling his potential at the highest level.