IPSWICH are ready to pounce for Manchester City centre-half Taylor Harwood-Bellis if they beat Southampton to promotion.
Harwood-Bellis, 22, will sign for Saints in a £15million switch should they bounce straight back to the top flight at the end of his year-long loan.
But they can only afford to buy him if they go up.
Plus, the contract on offer is designed for the Premier League.
The England Under-21 player seems sure to leave City permanently.
And there will be a rush for him if he comes back on the market in the summer.
READ MORE FOOTBALL
Classy defender Harwood-Bellis is hoping for two successive promotions.
He played a key role in Burnley’s title win last season.
But this year the U21 Euros champ looks set to have to settle for a place in the play-offs after Southampton lost ground on the top three – although Leicester, Ipswich and Leeds are all stumbling towards the finish line.
He has 35 Championship appearances so far with two goals, three assists and 11 clean sheets.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Harwood-Bellis’ aim, though, is to play in the Prem.
City are also counting on the cash as they look to balance the books at their end and let some fringe players go.
Another young defender impressing on loan has been Ashley Phillips.
The Tottenham youngster, 18, is at Plymouth this season.
However, Sheffield United have identified him as a possible transfer target for the summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
