According to the latest reports from the Scottish Sun, Kilmarnock have turned down a bid of £500,000 for their left-back Greg Taylor from Bundesliga 2 outfit Nurnberg. The Killie has asked the Bundesliga 2 club to up the ante if they want to sign the Scotland international. Several clubs have been linked with Taylor in the last few weeks, including Glaswegian giants Rangers as well as Celtic.
Recently reports from the Express emerged that Gerrard is still keen on signing a left back this summer. The Bears’ link with Taylor has died down in the last few weeks and Rangers will have to step up their pursuit if they want to sign the Scotsman.
Why are Rangers on the lookout for a left back?
Gerrard signed Borna Barisic for good money last summer, but the Croatian struggled with form and injury. There was some controversy as well regarding the player as reports emerged that Gerrard was unhappy with Barisic’s desire and commitment. However, the player later revealed that he still has a good relationship with Gerrard.
Neither of Jon Flanagan or Andy Halliday were able to make the left back spot their own. Flanagan did a decent job defensively later on in the season, but the fact that he isn’t a natural left back was quite evident when he looked to move forward with the ball in attack. Therefore one can understand why Gerrard might still be keen on bringing in another left back at the club.
Should Gerrard step up his pursuit for Taylor?
Nurnberg’s bid of £500,000 has been rejected, so one thing is clear that Taylor isn’t going to come in cheap. The fullback had an impressive campaign last season as he made 41 appearances in all competitions and contributed with one goal and four assists. On the back of a good club season, Taylor was even picked for the national team recently.
The fact that he is still just 21 makes us think that the Killie might demand somewhere close to £1m for the fullback. Rangers can look to sign him, but we feel that it will only happen if they decide to sell Barisic. We think that the Croatian deserves one more season to prove himself as it is never easy for a new player to come in from a different league.
However, one wouldn’t blame Gerrard as well if he decides to sell him here as the manager is the one who is seeing Barisic in training regularly and if he feels that the Croatian wouldn’t be able to do a job then he should be sold. Taylor would definitely be a reliable replacement as he is impressive on both ends of the pitch.
