Rangers and Burnley might be the big names in the mix for Lyle Taylor, but Preston could yet have a say.
Taylor, 30, is out of contract this summer. It now looks like he will be leaving Charlton on a free transfer, and he won’t be short of interest. Back in August, Charlton rejected four bids from Brentford for Taylor according to the South London Press – the final one worth more than £3million.
Charlton have stood firm and kept Taylor throughout the final year of his deal, but they will now be left out of pocket as Taylor prepares to move on as a free agent.
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TEAMtalk posted an update on Taylor’s future on Saturday. They claim that some a number of clubs want Taylor; Rangers, Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Burnley are in the race, as are Bournemouth and Stoke City.
The report also claims that Preston are looking at Taylor, and could move for him this summer. Few would expect North End to beat Rangers or Burnley to his signature, but he does fit the bill.
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Alex Neil loves having a big, physical centre forward who can provide mobility. North End have lacked that kind of figure since Jordan Hugill’s exit, and Taylor would certainly fit that role.
The 6ft 2in striker is quick and powerful, whilst he also links up play well and comes alive inside the box. He is a threat in the air, his goal record for Charlton is hugely impressive.
He scored 25 times last season as Charlton won promotion to the Championship, whilst record an impressive 12 assists. Some wondered whether he could step up to the Championship, but 11 goals in 22 games show his quality. Taylor plays for Montserrat on the international stage, and has one goal in six caps for them.
Taylor is a little older than the usual Preston signing at 30, but he’s exactly what North End are looking for up top. With so many teams in the mix, you would have to imagine that he will be commanding big wages and a hefty signing-on fee, which would be an issue for North End.
Taylor would be able to reunite with former Charlton teammate Patrick Bauer should he make the move, and that kind of relationship may help him settle into the dressing room too. It would be a huge coup if Preston can pull this off, but other clubs will feel a similar way.