Harwood-Bellis interest 'completely normal' - Eckert

[Getty Images] Tonda Eckert says Aston Villa target Taylor Harwood-Bellis is one of the best defenders in the country and is dealing with transfer speculation professionally. The 24-year-old joined Saints from Manchester City in 2023, initially on loan with a clause to make the move permanent, and won an England cap in the Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland in 2024. After seeing-off interest from Benfica, Southampton rejected a Villa bid worth more than £18m this week and are believed to want around £25m for the player, whom they signed for £20m two years ago. Speaking before Saturday's Championship visit of Stoke, Saints head coach Eckert told BBC Radio Solent: "We know how important Taylor is for us. I think he's been the best centre-back in the Championship last season. "It's completely normal that if you are among the best centre-backs in the country there is interest, and there has been. "He's always dealt with it in a great way, very professional, but he's a Southampton player. "In the end my job is to train the players. There are some decisions for the board and owners to take." Eckert said he was happy to start Harwood-Bellis on Saturday, given his focused performance amid speculation towards the end of the January transfer window. He said: "On 31 January, before we went to Stoke, there was heavy interest for him and he played one of the best games for us."