Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis has reportedly handed in a transfer request amid interest from Portuguese giants Benfica.
The Saints turned down a bid of £20 million from Benfica at the weekend as former Fulham boss Marco Silva looks to strengthen his defensive options.
Portuguese news outlet Correio da Manhã have reported that the former England international has now informed Southampton of his desire to leave the club this summer.
It is believed that a fee in the region of £30 million will be enough to secure a deal, but it remains to be seen whether Benfica will be prepared to return with an improved bid.
Harwood-Bellis joined Southampton permanently from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 after helping the Saints win promotion from the Championship during a successful loan spell in the 2023/24 campaign.
The 24-year-old has become a mainstay at St Mary's and he enjoyed a strong 2025/26 season as he helped the club reach the Championship playoffs.
Southampton were thrown out of the play-offs following the spygate saga and head coach Tonda Eckert is hoping to repair the damage caused by leading the club back to the Premier League this season.
Harwood-Bellis started at the weekend as Southampton were beaten 2-1 at Watford in their league opener, but the club now have a real battle on their hands to keep hold of one of their key players.
