Journalist: Celtic have 'interest' in 'exceptional' £6.2m-rated gem, may develop in next 14 days

Reliable journalist Alan Nixon has confirmed that Celtic are interested in signing Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis this summer, but the Hoops may have to wait to wrap up a deal. 

Born in Stockport, Harwood-Bellis has risen through the heralded City academy and made a senior bow for the Premier League champions in the Carabao Cup victory over Preston in 2019.

Since then, the central defender has been sent on loan to Blackburn Rovers and Anderlecht before spending the end of the 2021/22 campaign at Stoke City in the Championship.

Now, it appears that the recruitment staff at Celtic Park are attempting to make Glasgow the England youth starlet’s next stage in his development…

Taking to Twitter, following a report from Sky Sports citing the admiration, Nixon confirmed that the Hoops are indeed interested in the 20-year-old, but fans may have to wait around 14 days for something to happen.

He said: “Nothing since last week … there IS an interest … no decision for a couple of weeks.”

Signing Harwood-Bellis would be a superb coup for the Bhoys. Despite being some way off the first-team plans in Manchester, the youngster – who was once hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Pep Guardiola after his debut outing – appears to be held in high esteem at City.

During a second loan spell of the 2021/22 campaign, the seven-cap England Under 21 starlet earned a 6.78 Sofascore rating at Stoke, making 3.5 clearances, 1.9 interceptions and winning 4.9 duels on average per game – highlighting an impressive defensive acumen.

Valued at £6.3million and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), a loan move would likely be preferable for all parties as Ange Postecoglou attempts to suitably strengthen the ranks for another tilt at the Scottish