Everton are reportedly keeping an eye on Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis over a potential future transfer move.
According to journalist Alan Nixon in a recent post on his Patreon page (via City Xtra), Frank Lampard has made Harwood-Bellis a transfer priority for the Toffees, with club staff compiling a file on the defender’s performances while on loan at Burnley this season.
As a product of City’s youth system, the centre-back has completed loan spells with clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, RSC Anderlecht and Stoke City, in addition to making eight senior appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Now on loan with Burnley in the Championship under the management of former City captain, Vincent Kompany, Harwood-Bellis has played every minute of league action for the Clarets, showing just how highly rated he is there.
In his nine league appearances, the defender has racked up more interceptions (16) than any other Burnley player, as well as currently having the second-highest average of clearances per game (2.8).
His overall performances have earned him a solid season rating of 7.08/10 from WhoScored, making him the third-highest rated player at Turf Moor.
By the same metric, this season’s rating would make him the highest-rated outfield player at Everton.
Hailed for being “aggressive, dominant aerially and assured” during his time at Blackburn by Tony Mowbray, it’s easy to see why Lampard is reportedly keen to keep an eye on the young defender.
Taking into account his clear defensive talent, the fact that only Nottingham Forest (103) have faced more shots at goal than Everton (99) in the league this season, it’s safe to say that Lampard would love to have a player like Harwood-Bellis at his disposal as someone that can tighten up the Toffees’ defence.
Moving forward, if the Englishman continues to impress during his time with Burnley and isn’t likely to become a regular first-team player for City once he returns, Everton should definitely make a move to sign him on a permanent basis when they have the chance.
