West Ham plot late Southampton transfer raid | OneFootball

West Ham United are considering reviving their summer interest in Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

West Ham United have set their sights on one of Southampton's biggest assets as Nuno Espirito Santo vies to add more quality to his squad before the transfer window closes.

The London Stadium outfit remain in the Premier League relegation zone, five points adrift of safety, despite last Saturday's 3-1 victory over last season's Championship play-off winners Sunderland.

Espirito Santo's men could be in for a tougher day at the office this weekend, though, as they take on a Chelsea outfit who have hit strong form under ex-Hull City boss Liam Rosenior.

Meanwhile, Southampton have struggled for consistency in the Championship this season, and a play-off push could be beyond Tonda Eckert's side.

West Ham United consider re-igniting interest in Southampton ace Taylor Harwood-Bellis

West Ham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League this term, having conceded 45 goals in 23 top-flight outings so far.

It is no surprise, then, that Espirito Santo has turned his transfer attentions to their backline, having already signed strikers Pablo Felipe and Valentin Castellanos, as well as former Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore.

Meanwhile, Football League World exclusively revealed earlier this month that Premier League clubs have eyed moves for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Following that news, talkSPORT's Alex Crook revealed via X on Friday that West Ham are considering reviving their summer interest in the centre-back.

Southampton must be concerned by West Ham United advances for Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Southampton sit just 15th in the Championship with 17 fixtures remaining, which indicates that a Premier League return is not on the cards for the Saints.

However, Harwood-Bellis has remained a consistent performer for Eckert's men, winning 144 duels and blocking 21 shots in the second tier this term, as per FotMob.

Furthermore, the 24-year-old made 34 Premier League appearances for the Saints last season, and should be keen on showing his worth in the top flight once again.

The centre-back knows the benefits that performing in the Premier League can bring, as he earned an England call-up last term and scored on his only senior Three Lions appearance.

Harwood-Bellis has also attracted transfer interest from Everton, further reducing Southampton's chances of retaining him beyond Monday's transfer deadline.

Eckert must be concerned by the Premier League interest in the one-cap England international, especially after the Saints allowed fellow centre-back Ronnie Edwards complete a permanent move to Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers.

Southampton will not be looking forward to the prospect of having to endure next month's second-tier fixtures against play-off contenders Watford and last season's top-flight opponents Leicester City without the services of Harwood-Bellis.

Alongside his defensive abilities, the 24-year-old can also be an attacking asset for Eckert's men, as demonstrated by the fact that he has notched four goals and one assist this term.