Middlesbrough and Burnley lead the chase for Leeds star Taylor
Published:
Leeds’ highly-talented left-back Charlie Taylor looks set to be become the topic of a bidding war between as many as three Premier League teams this summer.
The 22-year-old has been targeted by Middlesbrough, Burnley and West Brom, as well as Championship favourites Newcastle.
A series of fine individual performances last year marked Taylor out as one of Elland Road’s finest assets, and the Yorkshire club faced losing the former England U19 international in the January window.
But with Taylor now entering the final year of his contract, Leeds risk losing him for nothing in 12 months time.
It’s believed both Burnley, and particularly Middlesbrough, are willing to test the Whites’ resolve with bids of up to £5m, as they each look to establish themselves back in the Premier League.
For new Leeds boss Garry Monk however, it will be seen as a major loss as the club look to end their 12-year absence from the top tier of English football.
Monk has already signed a number of players at Elland Road – including Rob Green and Kemar Roofe – but to lose Taylor would be a serious dent to their promotion hopes.
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has been very active in the transfer window already, with former Barcelona and Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes reportedly closing in on a move to the north-east.
That’s in addition to the signings of highly-rated Dutch midfielder Marten de Roon from Atalanta, Bernardo Espinosa from Sporting Gijon, plus Viktor Fischer from Ajax.
With just five weeks until the season starts, both Boro and Burnley will be keen to add more players of Taylor’s potential in the bid to avoid a quick return to the Championship.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
