Report: Leeds battling two other English clubs to sign Manchester City youngster

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Manchester Evening News have claimed that Leeds United are battling Championship promotion hopefuls Brentford and Premier League side Brighton for Manchester City teenager Taylor Harwood-Bellis – as shines on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

Harwood-Bellis, 19, is considered one of Manchester City’s future talents having already clocked up eight senior appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side. He joined Championship outfit Blackburn in the January window and he has impressed since.

Blackburn remain in mid-table and in his 11 appearances for the club, Tony Mowbray’s side have only one once. But Harwood-Bellis has done well for Blackburn despite the lack of form, and clubs are interested in the England Under-20 star’s services.

Brentford are on pole but the reports also state that Leeds and Brighton are keen on Harwood-Bellis – who has been playing alongside Leeds loanee Barry Douglas and ex-Elland Road midfielder Bradley Johnson during his time at Ewood Park.

TBR’s view – Do Leeds need Harwood-Bellis?

Probably not. Leeds now have four first-team options at centre-back in the form of Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente. Gaetano Berardi is an option but is out of contract at the end of the season.

Then, in their soon-to-be promoted Under-23 side, Leeds also have Olly Casey and Charlie Cresswell – both of whom have featured for the senior side, and the latter is also a part of England’s Under-19 side. Do Leeds need another centre-back?