Ex-Southern rival's star urges Premier League side to sign Southampton mainstay | OneFootball

If Southampton goes down relegation, they will be greeted by historic rivals Portsmouth. And for that, Pompeys has begun their preparations as ex-star urges West Ham to swoop star Saints defender.

Tell me, what screams being a Southampton fan? For me, it's knowledge of their legendary academy, the vibrant St. Mary's, and the Southern rivalry.

Now, the first two have been brilliant memories for the Saints forever. But the latter aspect involving south coast rivals, Bournemouth and Portsmouth, has been bittersweet lately.

Notably, while Bournemouth has dominated Southampton recently, the Saints have enjoyed such influence on rivals Portsmouth in turn.

Honestly, the Saints' relation hasn't been smooth with Bournemouth, but it hasn't been as intriguing as with Portsmouth. To note, even though these two haven't met in a while, it hasn't restricted jibes and banters among them.

Just imagine, if that's the scenes now, what will happen when Portsmouth welcomes Southampton in the Championship next season.

Well, that's in the future but we have a teaser of what the Pompeys plan next.

Martin Allen wants Hammers to swoop away Saints star Harwood-Bellis

How? Because of Portsmouth's ex-club star Martin Allen's words. Recently, speaking to the West Ham zone, Allen tried plotting an away move for Southampton's best defender at the moment, Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Upon being asked whether the Hammers should sign him, Allen said: "Yes, I’ve seen him play quite a few times. He’s young, he’s got a good future ahead of him and looks like he’s got a good attitude."

Now, certainly, Allen's intentions in this claim are biased towards Portsmouth yet it's a harsh reality that even if not for West Ham, Harwood-Bellis will depart this summer.

And it's result? Southampton weakens a bit and their rivals comparatively improve.

Still, on the brighter side, the Saints shouldn't worry much, only for their south-coast contemporaries. After all, even then, Southampton shouldn't have much difficulty getting the better of Portsmouth any day.

Overall, though Harwood-Bellis' exit uncertain the Saints' future ahead, their main aim should be again a Championship promotion next season.