Benfica eye Harwood-Bellis as Saints weigh Larin call for Watford | OneFootball

Benfica have tested Southampton’s resolve over vice-captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis, while Eckert weighs up Cyle Larin before Sunday’s trip to Watford. According to Sainstmarching.com, initial contact has been around 17m, with no formal bid lodged.

Larin lacks full sharpness after a late summer break, and the manager will speak to him before naming his side. Caution remains, though he clearly wants the striker involved.

Two substitutes lifted the midweek win at Colchester, with Cam Bragg impressing and Larin scoring a 72nd-minute opener that may nudge selection for Vicarage Road.

Finn Azaz is back after a shin injury and looked lively in his cameo. Eckert reckons Romeo Akachukwu is close to knocking on the first-team door.

Benfica’s interest follows Porto’s rebuffed approach at a similar level in January, and Saints value Harwood-Bellis far higher. He should start at Watford on Sunday.

Southampton have fielded enquiries all summer. West Ham looked early then went quiet, Coventry and Hull asked the question, and Leo Scienza, Caspar Jander and Azaz have been watched without moving.

Only Charles has left for a fee. Five players have represented both clubs down the years, and Saints begin on minus four after Spygate.

Saints visit Watford on Sunday, live on Sky, kick-off 1.30. Larin could feature after his cameo, with Eckert’s fitness calls to shape the XI.

Harwood-Bellis cost Manchester City 20m in 2024 and has captained in Jack Stephen's absence since Adam Armstrong departed in January. Comfortable on the ball and a set-piece threat, selling now for 17m would make little sense with weeks left in the window. The expectation is Watford this weekend, not Lisbon.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”