Southampton ‘reject’ opening Benfica bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis | OneFootball

Southampton have rejected Benfica’s opening offer for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with The Athletic reporting the bid was an official approach worth about £17 million.

Interest from Benfica, now managed by ex-Fulham boss Marco Silva, surfaced in Portugal earlier this week.

The 24-year-old is regarded as one of Southampton’s key assets after another outstanding Championship campaign. He featured in 41 of 46 league games last season, 48 appearances in total, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.

It is understood Southampton would find it difficult to turn down an offer that meets their valuation after missing out on promotion last season.

Benfica finished third in the Portuguese top flight last season and will compete in the Europa League if they get past Danish side Aarhus in the play-off round.

Harwood-Bellis first joined on loan from Manchester City in 2023 and made the move permanent after securing promotion to the Premier League. He has made 133 appearances for the south coast club and received his first England cap, scoring on debut against the Republic of Ireland.

Southampton also sold Shea Charles earlier this week in a £30 million deal with Fulham, comprising a £26 million fee and £4 million in add-ons.

Source: Daily Echo

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