Leeds reportedly want a Manchester City player that Pep Guardiola labelled ‘exceptional’

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Leeds United are reportedly battling two other English clubs in the race to sign Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who is currently on loan at Blackburn Rovers – and Pep Guardiola’s comments in 2019 will prove exciting for Leeds fans.

Harwood-Bellis, 19, is one of the most highly-rated defenders coming through the academy at Manchester City at the moment – so much so that the England Under-19 star has clocked up eight appearances for Guardiola’s senior side.

While he has broken through, he has struggled to play regularly and that has seen him leave on loan – joining Championship side Blackburn where he has since played 11 times for Tony Mowbray’s outfit. He has impressed, despite winning one of those 11.

His form has not gone unnoticed. Manchester Evening News have claimed that Leeds, along with Brighton and Brentford, are interested in signing Harwood-Bellis. Speaking about Harwood-Bellis in 2019, Guardiola labelled him “exceptional”.

“I am pleased a lot with Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis,” Guardiola told Goal. “They combined, they suit each other perfectly and they have played in the academy. They are exceptional human beings with a good mentality. I am very pleased.”

TBR’s view – Harwood-Bellis a top, top talent with enormous potential

But do Leeds need him? The Whites have four excellent central defenders in the first team, largely thanks to the breakthrough talent of Pascal Struijk. Liam Cooper and summer signings Diego Llorente and Robin Koch are also options.

Even then, Leeds have two excellent options in the Under-23 side. Both Charlie Cresswell and Olly Casey have starred for the club’s 23’s and have been given game time in the senior side. Harwood-Bellis would simply block their progression.

A really highly-rated player with a huge future, but Leeds is not the club for him.