Kilmarnock boss Angelo Alessio has spoken to the Daily Record about his left-back Greg Taylor, a target for Celtic and League One Sunderland.
21-year-old Taylor is the subject of intense speculation north of the border, with Neil Lennon keen to add him to his ranks at Parkhead. That comes amidst a failed Sunderland bid for the player, whom Killie value at £3m.
The Black Cats offer only went up to £750,000 and was rejected offhand, but Alessio is still concerned about repeat bits at an increased value.
“Every day I read about Celtic and Sunderland. But it’s only conversations. It’s normal in this period of the market,” said the Italian.
“It’s difficult because I’ve already said we want to keep our best players. I think right now I need to clarify the situation. There have been some conversations about Greg but at the moment it’s only conversations. I don’t think there has been a right offer for him.
“Is it inevitable that he will leave before the deadline? I hope not. He’s important for us and the team.”
Taylor began his career with Rangers as a youth but didn’t get offered a permanent deal with them upon completion of his apprenticeship.
He moved to Kilmarnock where he’s now racked up over 100 top-flight games, as well as earning his first Scotland cap against Belgium this summer.
Our View
The likely move here is Celtic. Sunderland’s bid was nowhere near enough and whilst Celtic don’t want to go to £3m, they do have £25m burning a hole in their pocket from selling Kieran Tierney.
Sunderland do not. They’re not going to be able to match the Hoops if the bidding goes up and will surely have to turn their attention elsewhere.
Declan John seems to be the latest target, he’s out of favour at Swansea at the moment.
