Taylor Harwood-Bellis has had a fine season down in the Championship so far.

Joining Burnley on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City, the young central defender has excelled under Vincent Kompany so far this campaign, notching 21 Championship outings as the Clarets sit top of the league.

Those performances, though, have naturally caught the attention of eyes elsewhere, with Everton just one Premier League side said to be interested in the young defender moving forwards.

In conversation with FLW, Journalist Pete O'Rourke has now had his say on the young Manchester City starlet's future.

"He's a top talent Taylor Harwood-Bellis," O'Rourke explained to FLW.

"He's England under-21 captain so he must be highly rated in the England ranks as he is at Manchester City as well.

"I think it's been perfect for everybody involved this move. He's gone to Burnley working under Vincent Kompany and getting regular first team football so I think he will definitely see out the season with Burnley on loan.

"If Burnley were to win promotion to the Premier League, I'm sure it's a deal that Vincent Kompany would like to maybe either get another loan or a permanent deal if Manchester City were willing to cash in on him.

"But, I think his performances for Burnley unsurprisingly will make other Premier League clubs sit up and take notice of Taylor Harwood-Bellis so if Manchester City did decide that he's maybe not going to break into their first team, I'm sure there'll be a number of Premier League clubs who would love to sign him."

The Verdict

Hearing a well respected journalist such as Pete O'Rourke state that he thinks Harwood-Bellis will see the season out with Burnley will be a relief for Clarets fans.

The young defender exiting mid-season would be far from ideal, and a big blow for Vincent Kompany's side as they look to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

If Burnley can get promoted this season, it would surely make sense for Manchester City to loan the young defender back to the Clarets once again next campaign.

That would allow Pep Guardiola and those in charge to see how Harwood-Bellis handled a full season in the top flight before making a definitive decision on his permanent future.