West Brom are reportedly pursuing a deal for Leeds left back Charlie Taylor.
Fleetwood Town’s David Ball and Leeds United’s Charlie Taylor in action
On Sunday, Leeds United were left stunned as left back Charlie Taylor remarkably refused to play in the final game of the season against Wigan Athletic.
Taylor, 23, has come up through the ranks at Elland Road, and has become a key first-team player ever since Stephen Warnock’s move to Derby County in 2015.
A local lad having been born in York, Taylor has been a fan favourite at Elland Road, but that status has long gone after his antics on Sunday.
Before Leeds drew 1-1 with Wigan Athletic to end their Championship season, Taylor told manager Garry Monk that he wouldn’t be playing, effectively bringing an end to his time at Elland Road.
Taylor’s contract expires this summer, and whilst Leeds are entitled to compensation for the player, he appears to have cut ties with the Whites, as The Mirror claim that West Bromwich Albion now believe they are close to a deal.
Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum in action with Leeds’ Charlie Taylor
Whilst Taylor would fill a real need at left back for the Baggies, his refusal to play should be of some concern to West Brom boss Tony Pulis, who of course had to deal with Saido Berahino refusing to play in 2015.
After rejecting a bid from Tottenham, Berahino refused to play for West Brom in 2015, and Pulis told the Daily Mail that Berahino had to earn respect and his actions – not playing for the club – weren’t helping.
Stoke City’s Saido Berahino
Now, Pulis and West Brom should be wary that Taylor has just pulled off a similar act, with the Baggies now fully aware that Taylor’s agent could advise him to repeat the trick in the future if he succeeds at The Hawthorns.
West Brom may be comfortable with that, or Pulis could have relaxed his view on players refusing to play, but having endured such a difficult time with now-Stoke striker Berahino, the Baggies should be very careful in continuing their move for Taylor after he showed such a lack of respect to Leeds just days ago.
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