Why Taylor Harwood-Bellis missed Southampton game amid West Ham transfer news
West Ham United target Taylor Harwood-Bellis was nowhere to be seen in Southampton's matchday squad on Saturday.
Without the 24-year-old involved, Tonda Eckert's men won 3-1 at home against Stoke City, with ex-Hammer Divin Mubama among the goalscorers for the Saints.
Harwood-Bellis had played in the first two games of the season against Colchester United and Watford.
That led to Eckert having to explain the centre-back's absence, especially with speculation swirling around his future at St Mary's over the course of the last few days.
West Ham are interested in signing the one-time England international, while Aston Villa have had an £18million bid for him rejected.
But was that the reason why he missed the action against Stoke?
Tonda Eckert provides Taylor Harwood-Bellis update amid West Ham speculation
Speaking on Saturday, Southampton manager Eckert did admit that Harwood-Bellis might not have been in the best frame of mind to play against Stoke.
He did, however, say that the decision was his own and not that of the player's, whose attitude was praised by his boss.
“I don’t let any blame go on him. In the end it’s always my decision, and again I’m very pleased and happy for everyone who was on the pitch," said Eckert.
“Every moment of the season brings different challenges, and there’s absolutely no doubt about the quality of Taylor as a player.
“I just think for every single game there’s always a consideration of who is in the best condition to perform, and the quality of a player comes into that."
Eckert also confirmed an offer had been made for Harwood-Bellis, suggesting that it was a Champions League club who'd made the offer.
What this means for West Ham bid to sign him
Ultimately, this isn't the best news for Nuno Espirito Santo.
After watching a defensive disasterclass in the 2-1 loss to Charlton at the London Stadium on Saturday, Nuno will want to improve his options at the back and Harwood-Bellis would do exactly that.
However, if a Champions League club like Aston Villa is bidding for him, and he's being left out of Southampton's squad as a result of that, it's very clear where he'll be going.
Also, the Saints clearly want more than £18m for Harwood-Bellis and even then, they'd probably be more inclined to accept a bid from Aston Villa than West Ham due to them not being Championship promotion rivals like the Irons.
This one feels very dead in the water now.