Leeds United have lost the left-back to Burnley, and a Newcastle United player could be of interest.
Six new faces have already arrived at Leeds United this summer, but none in Charlie Taylor’s position.
The left-back fled to Burnley at the end of his contract earlier this month, leaving new Whites boss Thomas Christiansen with the naturally right-sided Gaetano Berardi and the vastly inexperienced Tyler Denton as his only options.
It would be some surprise, then, if another body isn’t being sought for the role, and developments at Newcastle United could be worth looking into.
Ex-Leeds man Charlie Taylor in action
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Newcastle travelled to Ireland this week, but left-back Achraf Lazaar hasn’t gone with them. And according to his manager, Rafa Benitez, the 25-year-old is one of three players – along with Tim Krul and Emmanuel Riviere – “available” for transfer this summer.
Who is he and why would Leeds want him?
Signed for £3 million from Palermo last summer, Lazaar’s capture was something of a coup for the Magpies having been a regular in Serie A throughout the two preceding campaigns, averaging a goal or assist every eight or nine games. Given the opportunities he’s lacked on Tyneside, it’s not hard to imagine Lazaar getting back to that level fairly quickly. With an Italian owner in place and several players arriving from the Mediterranean nation in recent years, his name should already be familiar at Elland Road.
Would he go to Leeds?
Newcastle United’s Achraf Lazaar [right]
The Chronicle reported in May that Lazaar was seeking a swift exit from Newcastle, with Italy or Spain his preferred destinations. Having said that, Leeds are an attractive proposition right now, and the prospect of making a fist of it in English football could make LS11 an appealing destination for the player. Nevertheless, his reported £35,000-a-week wages could be a sticking point.
Should Leeds consider move for Newcastle outcast Lazaar?
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