Southampton boss Eckert responds to Aston Villa interest in star man Harwood-Bellis

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert says it is “completely normal” for Taylor Harwood-Bellis to attract interest after establishing himself as one of the Championship’s best centre-backs.

Harwood-Bellis is a target for Aston Villa as they look to replace Ezri Konsa, who has joined Arsenal.

“I think we all know how important Taylor is for us as a group,” Eckert said.

“He’s been the best centre-back in the Championship last season. I think it’s completely normal that if you are among the best centre-backs in your country, there is interest.

“We all know that there has been interest. I think that he’s always dealt with that in a great way. Very professional and he’s a Southampton player.”

Southampton have already lost midfielder Shea Charles to Fulham this month AND Eckert acknowledged that decisions over player departures ultimately sit above him.

“You know that the business always goes a level higher up at one point,” he added.

“Obviously, I’m involved in some of the conversations.

“In the end, my job is to train the players that we have here.

“Luckily, we have lots of great players in the building. There are some decisions for the board and for Johannes [Spors] to take.”