Report: Charlton to beat Sunderland to Lyle Taylor signing

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Sunderland have missed out on one of League One’s best strikers with Lyle Taylor reportedly leaving AFC Wimbledon for Charlton Athletic.

Sunderland’s recruitment drive is finally taking shape. The Black Cats have now completed the signings of Hearts goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin and Bury forward Chris Maguire, two potentially inspired deals which makes the Black Cats far stronger at either end of the field.

And, according to the Northern Echo, Lyle Taylor was the next on the list. The AFC Wimbledon frontman scored 18 goals last season, 14 in League One, and will be a free agent this summer.

The report adds that Sunderland have offered Taylor what they believe is a very attractive contract.

Experienced, free and prolific at League One level, the 28-year-old certainly ticks a lot of boxes for a Sunderland side badly in need of attacking reinforcements. Before Maguire’s arrival, far too much was resting on the teenage duo of Josh Maja and Joel Asoro.

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But Sunderland have now missed out on a man who looked like the perfect attacking addition.

Bristol Live is reporting that another League One club, Charlton Athletic, have won the race to sign Taylor this summer. The Addicks will be among the pre-season favourites to challenge for promotion next season so their free-agent swoop gives them a massive boost while simultaneously delivering a blow for The Black Cats.

Sunderland were reportedly confident of signing Taylor this summer, but it seems that confidence was misplaced.