DEFENDER Taylor Harwood-Bellis insisted he would “snap your hand off” to stay at Saints if promoted back to the Premier League this season.   

The 21 year old England youth captain signed for the club on loan from Manchester City this summer but the deal features a clause in his contract.

If Saints are promoted to the top division at the first time of asking, they exercise an obligation to sign Harwood-Bellis for £20million next summer.

Harwood-Bellis, who was a Championship winner last season with Burnley, celebrated his first goal for the club in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Birmingham City.

He spoke of his enjoyment so far during his St Mary’s stay in no uncertain terms, when asked by the Daily Echo if he would like to be a Saints player next season.

Harwood-Bellis told us: “If we get promoted. Yeah, 100 per cent. That’s the drive of the whole club, to get back to the Premier League, and that’s where I want to be.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis during the Championship match between Southampton and Rotherham at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin.

“I wouldn’t have come here if that wasn’t the club's ambition. If someone said to me, you’ll be playing for Southampton in the Premier League next year, I’d snap your hand off.

“I haven’t thought too much about that yet as it is a long way away and we have to grind to get ourselves there,” he added.

“I’ve loved it here, it’s a lovely part of the world. I’ve settled in well and that’s due to the staff, the players and everyone at the club. I’m enjoying my time here.”

Harwood-Bellis likely thought he would have a shot at Premier League football this term following his success with Vincent Kompany’s Clarets.

The youngster made 32 appearances as they romped to the title and was reportedly a potential target for Fulham and West Ham United.

Harwood-Bellis also led England to Under-21 European Championships success but insists his focus is purely on helping Saints get back to the top flight.

“You don’t want to talk too much about last year, it’s something that has been and gone, but I feel like I know the way to apply yourself every day,” he said.

“Hopefully, I’m setting a good example – but with this team, I don’t feel like I need to anyway, everyone applies themselves as they should.

“Even the lads who don’t get too many minutes, they know their time will come and if you saw training, you’d see everyone wants a chance to start.

“I’m trying to be myself, I’m not trying to be too loud or be someone that I’m not. I just go about my business and help anyone I can on the way.

“My teammates will be able to help me along the way as well. It’s not something I have to try to do but my personality is already embedded in me and just being myself is going to help.”

Harwood-Bellis was a doubt for Saturday’s clash with Birmingham, having missed the 2-2 draw at Preston North End midweek due to hamstring tightness.

“I’m buzzing to contribute with a goal but more happy with the three points,” Harwood-Bellis reflected, making manager Russell Martin’s squad.

“It was a positive few days coming into the game and I did everything I could to try and get myself ready. I had a little niggle in my hamstring from the Leeds and we scanned it.

“I’m buzzing to play and to play with Jan (Bednarek), an experienced leader who is playing well and I feel like we are feeding off each other well.”