Rumour Mongering: Liverpool Target Leeds Left Back

Back in the spring, Liverpool were linked with Leeds United left back Charlie Taylor, at the time said to be an alternative to Celtic youngster Kieran Tierney. Now, with a move for Ben Chilwell dead and rumour mongers casting about for an alternative target, he’s back.

In part that’s because Taylor, a 22-year-old who has played 68 games in all competitions for Leeds over the past two seasons, scoring three goals along the way, is refusing to sign a new deal with the Championship club. This has led to more than just speculation that the youngster could be set for a move.

“We run the risk that he could possibly go for free if we hold on to him,” said Leeds chief executive officer Ben Mansfield when asked about Taylor’s contract situation by BBC Leeds today. “I think it’s fair to say at this moment in time that Charlie doesn’t want to extend his current deal with us.”

Premier League clubs Burnley, Middlesbrough, and West Brom have been linked with him this summer, but Liverpool’s name being connected a few months back meant it was only a matter of time before that link got renewed. Whether there’s actual interest from the Reds is another question.

If he did arrive, it seems certain Taylor would be doing so as a clear backup to Alberto Moreno, and given that he’s two years older than Chilwell and with less upside, he makes less sense as a prospect. If he were to arrive, it would be as a decently talented backup, and one with some potential upside.

Still, with the club having just let go a 22-year-old left back fitting that description in Brad Smith, it seems a lateral move for the club, and unless this rumour starts to take hold with some of the more well connected club journalists, it seems fairly safe to dismiss this as little more than a reheated rumour.

Either that or it’s his agent at work trying to get one of West Brom, Middlesbrough, or Burnley to hurry up and offer Leeds and transfer fee and his client a decent pay packet.