Monk gives update on Leeds January plans amid defender speculation

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Published on:

27 Oct 2016, 8:08 am

By Alex Stevens

Garry Monk has insisted that Charlie Taylor is a "very important player" for Leeds amid speculation he could join a Premier League club in January.

The Telegraph claimed on Tuesday that West Brom will offer around £4million for the left-back when the window reopens in the new year.

The Mirror reported on Wednesday that Premier League champions Leicester are also monitoring the highly rated 23-year-old ahead of a possible January swoop.

Asked about Taylor on Thursday afternoon, Monk said, as quoted by the personal Twitter account of Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Lee Sobot: "Charlie is a very important player for us and he will be very important for us going forward."

Monk on Charlie Taylor: "Charlie is a very important player for us and he will be very important for us going forward." #lufc #lufclive
— Lee Sobot (@LeeSobotYEP) October 27, 2016

The Mirror report that the Foxes sent scout Dave Philpotts to watch Taylor in action in Leeds' Tuesday night League Cup win over Championship rivals Norwich.

This came after speculation that a senior recruitment member from West Brom was sent to watch Taylor's performance for Leeds in their 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.

But Taylor did not figure against Norwich on Tuesday as he was an unused substitute in Leeds' win as boss Garry Monk benched seven first-team regulars.

Taylor has already rejected a new contract offer from Leeds as he looks to progress his career beyond the Championship, and will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

West Brom were one of two Premier League clubs to show their interest in the 23 year-old during the summer, with Sean Dyche also failing to convince Leeds to let the defender join Burnley.

However, Pulis is set to reignite his interest and attempt to persuade Leeds owner Massimo Cellino into a deal after the West Brom manager was given the go ahead to make new signings.

Taylor is a mainstay of the Leeds team and has played the full 90 minutes of all 14 of their Championship matches this season.

Albion have been looking for a new left-back for some time now, with right-sided defender Allan Nyom filling the void temporarily.

In other Leeds transfer news, this out-of-favour star could be given a lifeline against Norwich.

Leeds United

Charlie Taylor