Why Taylor Harwood-Bellis makes perfect sense for West Ham after Pep Guardiola admission

West Ham United are looking to sign defenders this summer, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis a possibility.

Nuno Espirito Santo will be wanting to gain instant promotion back to the Premier League, with his squad still needing reinforcements as the season nears.

The options in central defence are slim, amid the uncertainty surrounding Jean-Clair Todibo.

And Harwood-Bellis could be the perfect player to link up with the Hammers next season.

West Ham Zone has shared information that Konstantinos Mavropanos could be handed a Jarrod Bowen-like contract.

That would certainly be a boost at the back and he could form a partnership with Harwood-Bellis who has received immense praise from Pep Guardiola in the past.

What Pep Guardiola has said about West Ham target Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Harwood-Bellis is a defender on West Ham's shortlist, according to the Daily Mail.

Harwood-Bellis was a product of Manchester City's academy and it was Guardiola who handed him his first chances in senior professional football.

That came in the Carabao Cup back in 2019. The Englishman started in a back four, partnering with Eric Garcia.

Man City went on to win 3-0, with Guardiola, as relayed by Man City, stating: "We defended well, and they gave a really good performance.

"It is not easy, but they did really well, and they are young, talented players with a strong mentality, and they complemented each other really well."

But, before that debut, Guardiola was well aware of the qualities the young defender would give his side.

He stated: "He is aggressive, he wins duels, he pays attention."

Those compliments from one of the greatest managers to exist in football should not be taken lightly.

The off-the-ball quality that Harwood-Bellis brings to West Ham

Other than the attributes he has on the ball and while defending, the Englishman would provide another key trait.

Harwood-Bellis a leader at the back, and has captained a number of sides in the past.

In the absence of Jack Stephens at St. Mary's, it was the 24-year-old who took on the honour as captain.

Additionally, he has captained the England Under-21s.

If the Irons are to secure an immediate promotion back to the top-flight, they will need these leaders in their squad.

And after working with Guardiola, Harwood-Bellis will be no stranger to the high standards that the Hammers must now have in E20.

There are other options on the table for West Ham, including Cardiff City's Dylan Lawlor and Leicester City's Ben Nelson.

But Harwood-Bellis sticks out as the best candidate that Nuno could swoop for from that trio.