Southampton ‘make loan enquiry’ for Manchester United teenager Godwill Kukonki, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis comparison

Southampton have made a loan enquiry for Manchester United centre-back Godwill Kukonki, 18, with other Championship clubs also interested, Manchester Evening News reports.

Southampton want to keep Taylor Harwood-Bellis beyond this summer, the number six is a dependable part of the side with 133 appearances. The former Manchester City youngster is among the Championship’s standout defenders on his day, with 10 goals and eight assists in the division.

Benfica have monitored his displays, but a deal currently looks unlikely after a £17m bid that was not well received by Tonda Eckert and colleagues.

The Kukonki interest is viewed as separate to that situation, and it would be unrealistic to cast the 18-year-old as a direct replacement for Harwood-Bellis.

Like Harwood-Bellis earlier in his career, a loan could help Kukonki mature. Harwood-Bellis had formative spells with Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht, Stoke City and Burnley, including 19 games at Blackburn and Anderlecht, 24 at Stoke and 35 at Burnley.

Kukonki is a three-time England Under-19 international and was born in Stoke-on-Trent. A Championship move might aid his development even if he is not an immediate first-team regular.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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