Man City youngster already attraction interest for next season

Three top-flight clubs are said to have already enquired about his availability for a loan switch in 2021/22, with promotion-hopefuls Brentford also thought to be keen on the 19-year-old for next season.

Harwood-Bellis has started each of Rovers’ last six matches, alongside Darragh Lenihan the pair looking to have struck up a good understanding which has seen Rovers concede only twice from open play in that time.

He was signed on loan in January, alongside Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite who is currently keeping out of the side, to plug gaps in the Rovers defence opened up because of injury. But manager Tony Mowbray feels he is showing his Premier League qualities and why he’s so highly touted.

He said: “Taylor has defensive instincts and warrior-like attributes. He wants to win headers and tackles and wants to engage.

“He’s composed on the ball and has a nice right-foot. These are all good attributes and yet the test for him is to play for Manchester City, not Blackburn Rovers.

“That’s his challenge in his career and although we put demands on him to play passes, it’s probably nowhere near the demands that Manchester City put on their centre-backs.”

Harwood-Bellis has started the last six matches alongside Lenihan, with Branthwaite having to be content with a spot on the bench.

He spent the first week of the international break away with England Under-19s, alongside Harvey Elliott, the pair featuring in a friendly with Arsenal Under-23s in which the young Lions ran out 6-1 winners.

They both returned to training yesterday as Rovers gear up for their game at Wycombe Wanderers on Friday, as did Amari’i Bell following his international commitments with Jamaica.

Thomas Kaminski (Belgium) and Darragh Lenihan (Republic of Ireland) will both look to be involved for their countries tonight before returning to East Lancashire, with Corry Evans and Northern Ireland facing Belarus tomorrow .