Burnley and Newcastle are fighting for young talent ahead of next season

Newcastle United is among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis, according to sources.

The 21-year-old central defender is currently on loan at Burnley and has played a key role for Vincent Kompany’s side. Harwood-Bellis is highly rated at City, and with his current contract due to expire next summer, plans are afoot to hold extension talks at the end of the season.

However, Harwood-Bellis recognises he is some way down the pecking order and is yet to play for City in the Premier League, although he has made a handful of cup appearances for the club.

Burnley is hoping to bring Harwood-Bellis back to the club next season, and City legend Kompany is hopeful that his former employers will sanction a deal, whether it be another loan or a permanent deal.

Newcastle is considering making a summer move for Harwood-Bellis as signing at least one new central defender is on Eddie Howe’s summer wish list. Any potential move could be complicated by interest from the likes of West Ham, Fulham and Brentford.

Fabian Schar has performed brilliantly next to Sven Botman at the heart of the Newcastle defence, but the Magpies want to bolster their options beyond the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, who could leave this summer, and Dan Burn, who has spent most of the season at full-back. That means at least one new addition in the heart of Newcastle’s defence, and Harwood-Bellis is very much on the club’s radar.

Harwood-Bellis has also chalked up over 100 games at senior level thanks to loan spells with Blackburn, Anderlecht, Stoke and now Burnley. Newcastle will have to compete with other clubs for his signature if City decides to sell him if he does not agree on a new contract.