Taylor Harwood-Bellis transfer price-tag set after Southampton Spygate scandal | OneFootball

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has become the subject of transfer speculation after Southampton's promotion hopes ended

Southampton will now have to plan for another year in the Championship after being expelled from the play-offs, and the likelihood of holding onto key players, including Taylor Harwood-Bellis, is not in their favour.

The Saints had booked a trip to Wembley Stadium with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Middlesbrough in the semi-finals, but were then thrown out of the competition.

The club’s appeal was also dismissed after they were punished for breaching the EFL’s rules prohibiting spying on opponents.

Middlesbrough accused the Hampshire outfit of filming their pre-match training session ahead of the first leg of their semi-final clash, which ended 0-0.

Southampton accepted the charge, and admitted to three instances of spying on rival teams this season.

It leaves the club in a state of flux going into the summer transfer window, as the fallout of their play-off expulsion continues.

Southampton take Taylor Harwood-Bellis transfer stance

It has been reported by TEAMtalk that Southampton will be seeking a substantial transfer fee this summer as interest grows in Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

The defender’s future at St. Mary’s is up in the air following the club’s expulsion from the play-offs, which ended their hopes of gaining promotion this season.

It has been claimed that West Ham are leading the chase for his signature at this stage, although their position in the Premier League remains unclear.

The Hammers will need to win against Leeds United on the final day of the season, and rely on Tottenham Hotspur losing to Everton in order to avoid relegation to the Championship.

The London outfit face competition from both Everton and Crystal Palace in the bid to sign Harwood-Bellis, with Burnley also keen on a reunion after their relegation from the top flight.

The centre-back has earned a lot of credit this season for his performances in the Saints’ rise back up to fourth in the table.

Harwood-Bellis made 41 appearances in the regular league campaign, contributing an impressive seven goals and one assist from the backline.

It’s believed that a valuation of greater than £20 million has been set, with the player’s contract running until June 2028.

It’s understood that Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs has opened the door to his exit, with a flurry of departures now on the cards for the Hampshire outfit.

It’s been reported that players are considering legal action as a result of the spying scandal, with the club being warned that it could lead to the termination of contracts.

Southampton were also handed a four-point deduction penalty for next season as part of their punishment for spying.

Taylor Harwood-Ellis exit could be just the beginning

It’s no surprise that Harwood-Bellis is attracting transfer interest after his impressive campaign, and he could be ready to make the step back up to the Premier League.

Everton and Palace would be attractive options, and even a year in the Championship at West Ham could be more tempting than staying at Southampton following the spying scandal.

The centre-back’s potential exit could be just the beginning of an exodus of players, with Leo Scienza and Shea Charles’ futures both up in the air.

The fallout of the Saints’ expulsion from the play-offs could drag well into the summer, with this proving a real disaster for the club already.