Is reported Leeds United target James Meredith a huge downgrade on Charlie Taylor?

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Bradford City’s left-back has been tipped to replace in-demand Charlie Taylor at Leeds United.

Depending on who you ask, James Meredith is either an essential cog in Bradford City’s bid for promotion or overly-conservative and overrated.

Yet, if the Daily Star is to be believed, the Australian has done more than enough to convince Leeds United manager Garry Monk that he could replace Charlie Taylor come the end of the season.

Rumours concerning the future of Taylor, The Whites’ undisputed first choice left-back, continue to swirl although new co-owner Andrea Radrizzani confirmed, as reported by The Guardian, that the 23-year-old would not be permitted to leave mid-season as Leeds’ hopes of returning to the Premier League after 13 years away increase by the week.

Nonetheless, the old adage ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ comes to mind. Taylor is out of contract at the end of the season and holds his future in his own hands.

Therefore, it’s only sensible that Leeds should put a contingency plan in place. That’s right, The Whites are planning long-term these days.

And, according to the Daily Star, they are preparing to rival Norwich for Bradford left-back Meredith who, like his potential predecessor, will be a free agent come June and therefore could be available on the cheap.

However, while Taylor is a constant threat on the flanks, blessed with excellent crossing technique and ability to drive past opposition defenders with a burst of acceleration and close control, Meredith is much more reserved in his approach.

The 28-year-old is hardly the epitome of a modern full-back while his ‘stay at home’ approach has often left Bantams supporters demanding more. Since joining the club, he has averaged just over two assists a season.

Meredith may be a relatively low-cost addition to the Leeds’ XI but he certainly wouldn’t represent an upgrade. In fact, if Leeds have genuine ambitions of reaching the top flight, they’ll need better than Meredith to take them there.