Potential Stoke City transfer blow emerges as Celtic enter race for former loanee

Scottish Premiership outfit Celtic are currently weighing up whether to make a formal approach for Manchester City centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis during the summer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 20-year-old may be surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium once again next season with Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte all currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

In his quest to find more regular playing time at a senior level, he moved to Stoke City temporarily during the winter window, appearing as one of the first names on the teamsheet for Michael O’Neill’s men with an impressive 24 appearances under his belt for the Staffordshire outfit.

Last month, O’Neill revealed to Stoke-on-Trent Live that a permanent move for the defender was unrealistic considering their budget but would want to explore the possibility of bringing him back on another loan deal in time for next season.

James Chester is already confirmed to be leaving on the expiration of his contract and Liam Moore has returned to Reading, making the centre-back area one they would probably want to address in the coming months.

This could make Harwood-Bellis a top target at the bet365 Stadium – but Ange Postecoglou’s side could dash their hopes of resigning him if the Scottish Premiership champions launch a formal bid for his services. The Bhoys are yet to contact the Premier League champions, however.

The Verdict:

Harwood-Bellis was a decent addition and considering the Potters are likely to be working within a limited budget again in the coming months, a loan deal for the 20-year-old would certainly be a good outcome for O’Neill.

They may not be able to sell him on in the future if they only bring him in temporarily – but