Luton Town striker Joe Taylor is attracting attention from a host of Championship clubs, including rivals Watford, according to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old joined the Hatters from Peterborough United in January 2023. He played a bit-part role during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, although did score in the penalty shootout in their historic play-off final victory over Coventry City.
With Luton embarking on their Premier League journey, it was decided that Taylor would move to Colchester United in order to gain first team experience. However, the season-long loan was cut short in January after he scored 12 goals in 27 appearances, with his parent club deciding it would be best to try his luck in a higher division.
League One was the next logical step and Lincoln City offered the attacker his next temporary home. A string of excellent performances saw Taylor crowned the League One Player of the Month in March, a month in which he scored six times.
His form helped the Imps surge up the table. However, they narrowly missed out on a play-off place following a final day defeat against champions Portsmouth.
Taylor returned to Kenilworth Road at the end of the season having more than earned his stripes in League One and Two. The Championship is the next logical step for the Welsh under-21 international, with the player confirming he would like to try his luck in the second tier.
His return has of course coincided with Luton’s relegation back to the Championship. He is expected to be given an opportunity throughout the pre-season campaign, but it is claimed that he is a wanted man.
According to reports, Watford are one of several clubs within the division hoping to snatch the former Kings Lynn Town youngster this summer. Furthermore, the Hornets are interested in a permanent deal rather than a loan.
It is said that Tom Cleverley is keen on bolstering his front line as he targets a more successful season.
Writer’s View
Taylor has shown that he is ready for Championship football, and it was inevitable that there would be clubs interested in his services this summer. He has already proven that he is far too good for League One and Two after his excellent spells at Colchester and Lincoln.
Finishing as both club’s top scorer last season in just half a campaign at each is incredibly impressive. The striker has a lot of appealing attributes, which includes his pace. Although not the tallest, he is clinical and aggressive in the final third. It would be a surprise if Luton let him go without giving him the opportunity to lead their line, especially to a rival.
Head of Writing
