Charlie Taylor now looking to land at Burnley

Do you think that Charlie Taylor had Burnley in mind when he refused to play against Wigan Athletic on the final day of the season?

The Leeds United fullback, a product of the youth system at Leeds, seemed to have a Premier League switch all wrapped up at the end of the season when his relationship with Garry Monk and the club reached its boiling point and saw him refuse to play because of a risk of injury. However, instead of signing for West Bromwich Albion, as he was rumored, he is still currently waiting for a new deal.

The hold-up seems to be the issue of a tribunal. While Taylor is out of contract at Leeds as of June 30th, Leeds will still be guaranteed compensation if he moves on due to his age (under 24) and the fact that Leeds offered him a contract. While most tribunals won’t break the bank, one for a talented young fullback might become expensive and Leeds are set to play hard-ball for an adequate return on the product of their youth system.

After West Brom’s interest seemed to cool, fellow Premier League side Burnley appear to be the next possible destination for Taylor, as reported by The Yorkshire Evening Post. Leeds are allegedly looking for more than the £5 million that it was rumored that West Brom were willing to pay for him, but the clubs that are allegedly interested don’t want to risk a tribunal. Given the ridiculous amount of money that each club received last year in television money, and the subsequent inflation of player transfer prices that has resulted, it’s not a bad idea for Leeds to hold out for more money.

Now while Burnley is still a Premier League club, their status as permanent residents of the top flight are very much in question. They also appear interested in Hull City’s Andrew Robertson, and while it might sting for Taylor to have to go to Lancashire, he’s basically out of options if teams are unwilling to go to tribunal with Leeds over the transfer. While it would be best for Leeds to get as much as they can for the player, it’s still good to see Leeds refuse to be bullied by the cash-rich Premier League clubs over a few million quid. Oh and Charlie? Have fun in a relegation scrap while Leeds are flying high next year. MOT