Report: Man City ready to sanction loan deal for ‘old school’ talent wanted in Europe

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Man City are ready to sanction a season-long loan deal for Taylor Harwood-Bellis amid significant interest, per the Lancashire Telegraph.

The defender will return to the Etihad this summer after spending the second half of last season at Blackburn Rovers. He featured regularly under Tony Mowbray for the Championship side, but could now get offers to test himself at a higher level.

Harwood-Bellis has attracted interest from Germany’s Bundesliga with his efforts at Ewood Park. Blackburn would like to retain the 19-year-old for a second term, as well, although play-off winners Brentford are also keen.

Other Premier League clubs approached Man City to discuss Harwood-Bellis’ availability for the 2021/22 campaign in March, too. He started 17 of his 19 Championship appearances for Blackburn, helping to keep two clean sheets.

A return to Rovers could see the Stockport-born enforcer face a greater challenge for minutes, however. Mowbray is hopeful that he can recall Daniel Ayala to a prominent role, having missed much of 2021 through injury.

Harwood-Bellis would be open to a return to Ewood Park next season, should their plans align with Man City’s. The England U20 international only featured in the cup competitions under Pep Guardiola last term to make four appearances.

Harwood-Bellis will return to the Etihad for the start of Man City’s pre-season programme. He will likely get the chance to train under Guardiola again with much of the Spaniard’s squad on international duty.

TBR’s view: Man City must loan out Harwood-Bellis

Man City are in a strong position by having a selection of clubs keen to take Harwood-Bellis on loan. The defender is unlikely to earn minutes should he stay at the Etihad but can leave to prove his potential.

Where he ends up is more of a challenge for Guardiola’s side, though. Harwood-Bellis would return to familiar surroundings and a coach who knows him well at Blackburn. Mowbray also praised the ‘old school’ centre-back in March as he ‘wants to go to war’ for the ball.

Yet a move to Brentford or the Bundesliga would offer him a step-up to play top-flight action. And Man City will be keen to see Harwood-Bellis test himself at the highest level. However, a move would also risk the defender spending more time on the bench.