According to the recent reports from BBC, Kilmarnock have turned down a bid from Sunderland for their 21-year-old fullback Greg Taylor. The offer was believed to be some way short of Kilmarnock’s valuation. Reports add that Sunderland were willing to pay less than £1m for the newly capped Scotland international.
The fullback had an impressive campaign for the Killie last season as they punched above their weight to finish third in the Premiership. His excellent form earned him a national team call up this year, and he has gone from strength to strength in the last few months. Scottish champions Celtic are also said to be keen on the defender.
Some reports (Evening Times) mention that Kilmarnock are valuing the fullback at £3m. Therefore if Sunderland’s bid was less than £1m, then they are still a long way off from reaching his valuation. The Black Cats parted ways with Costa Rican international Bryan Oviedo this summer who was a reliable player at left-back. Jack Ross only has Denver Hume who can play at left-back, so it is understandable why the Scottish boss is keen to add another player in that department.
Given that Taylor is still 21, and he has started to realise his true potential, Kilmarnock are unlikely to let him go away for cheap.
What can Taylor bring to the Stadium of Light?
The young fullback plays with intensity, and he is known for his impressive work rate and perseverance. Taylor is defensively solid, and he isn’t one to shy away from going into 50-50 tackles and challenges. The fullback usually showcases impressive energy, and he is decent with the ball at his feet.
The Scotsman can carry the ball well from the back. Given that he is still 21, there is a room for improvement to his game. But all in all, Taylor is known as a complete package, and that is why even Celtic are said to be keen on him after losing Kieran Tierney this summer.
Can Sunderland get their man?
Sunderland might have to up the ante to get Taylor here as Celtic are expected to have the financial muscle to lure him as they sold Tierney for big money. The Hoops can also offer the youngster a chance to play in the Europa League, and that is another thing which can go against Sunderland. Ross will probably need to lure the youngster by making him believe in the football project at the club. However, the first thing they need to do is to up the offer after the first bid from the Wearside outfit was rejected.
