Clubs remain interested in Harwood-Bellis

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has confirmed there are still discussions around defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ future at the club.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move throughout the summer, having attracted attention from Portuguese club Benfica before the club rejected a bid from Premier League side Aston Villa.

“There’s interest and there is a conversation,” Eckert said in his press conference on Friday.

“I am talking every day to Taylor and at the moment, he is a Southampton player.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Caspar Jander is taking longer than expected to return from the muscle injury he picked up in pre-season but is anticipated to be back before the international break in September.

“We were hoping for him to come back a little bit quicker,” Eckert said.

“His muscle hasn’t reacted too well in the first training sessions but we are talking over a week back and the last days have been positive. I’m hoping that [his return] will be very soon.”

Southampton play league leaders Millwall at St Mary’s on Saturday (15:00 BST).

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