[Getty Images] Tonda Eckert says Aston Villa target Taylor Harwood-Bellis is one of the best defenders in the country and is dealing with transfer speculation professionally. The 24-year-old joined Saints from Manchester City in 2023, initially on loan with a clause to make the move permanent, and won an England cap in the Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland in 2024. After seeing-off interest from Benfica, Southampton rejected a Villa bid worth more than £18m this week and are believed to want around £25m for the player, whom they signed for £20m two years ago.
Speaking before Saturday's Championship visit of Stoke, Saints head coach Eckert told BBC Radio Solent: "We know how important Taylor is for us. I think he's been the best centre-back in the Championship last season. " It's completely normal that if you are among the best centre-backs in the country there is interest, and there has been. " He's always dealt with it in a great way, very professional, but he's a Southampton player. " In the end my job is to train the players.
There are some decisions for the board and owners to take. " Eckert said he was happy to start Harwood-Bellis on Saturday, given his focused performance amid speculation towards the end of the January transfer window. He said: "On 31 January, before we went to Stoke, there was heavy interest for him and he played one of the best games for us. "
