Newcastle United have had no issues with signing players from clubs that have been relegated from the Premier League.
It is something that Eddie Howe has done a lot during his reign as Newcastle United manager.
The first was Nick Pope, who joined from Burnley in 2022. The following summer, Newcastle United snapped up Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes from Southampton and Leicester City respectively as they dropped into the Championship. They are two of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever.
Most recently, Newcastle bought Will Osula from Sheffield United after the Blades fell out of the Premier League.
Newcastle United have Taylor Harwood-Bellis on their radar
Now it is a tactic that Newcastle could use again, as they prepare to sign a centre-back who could be Fabian Schar’s long-term replacement at St James’ Park.
Newcastle want Dean Huijsen, but it remains to be seen who the Magpies’ top target will be.
They have various other players on their radar, one of which is Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis. That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about the Manchester City academy product.
“We know Newcastle want a centre-back,” he said.
“Harwood-Bellis is an England international and ticks a lot of boxes. He’s going to be available this summer.
“He’s on Newcastle’s radar. Newcastle have liked him from his previous spells on loan and admired him for a while.”
Harwood-Bellis could be an interesting option for Newcastle United
At 23-years-old, this has been Harwood-Bellis’ first season as a Premier League starter. It has not gone particularly to plan, with Southampton destined to be immediately relegated back to the Premier League.
But Harwood-Bellis has caught the attention of multiple clubs, with Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham are all taking a look at him – as well as Newcastle.
While this season is not going to plan, Harwood-Bellis certainly a player with potential. He knows Anthony Gordon well too, having played alongside him for the England senior side and the Under-21s.
Signing him as Schar’s replacement would be a risk, as he would have to improve a lot to be at the standard that Newcastle require. However, he would be a cheaper alternative to someone like Huijsen.
Off the pitch, Harwood-Bellis is engaged to Leah Keane, who is the daughter of Manchester United legend Roy Keane.
Since their relationship has gone public, Harwood-Bellis has stated that he has been taking ‘advice’ from Keane – his future father-in-law.
If a transfer to Newcastle United does materialise, it will be interesting to know what Keane thinks given his history with the Magpies. He was involved in multiple battles with Toon icon Alan Shearer, while he also managed Sunderland.
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