League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers are frontrunners to sign West Bromwich Albion defender Caleb Taylor on loan, according to journalist Lewis Cox.
The 21-year-old could drop back down to League One, once again, after experiencing loan spells at both Cheltenham Town and Bolton Wanderers.
Despite coming through the academy in the midlands and being on the books of the Albion for a while, Taylor has only made 10 first-team appearances for West Brom.
His first loan spell away from the Hawthorns was at Cheltenham, where he made over 45 appearances in just one season. He was crucial in Wade Elliot’s side, as the Robins defied the odds by comfortably surviving relegation after losing former manager Michael Duff to Barnsley. Playing 49 times in total, Taylor provided two goals and one assist from centre-back and helped keep 16 clean sheets in all competitions.
He spent the latter stage of last season on loan at Bolton, however, he picked up an injury and only ended up being involved in seven games under Ian Evatt. Evatt’s side reached the play-off final, only to lose to Oxford United at Wembley.
His two loan spells mean that he has played over 50 games in League One and he could be set to rack up some more with Wycombe chasing his signature. With the deadline looming, the question will be whether a deal for the defender can be agreed upon.
Matt Bloomfield achieved a midtable finish with Wycombe last season, as well as getting the team to Wembedly themselves in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy final. A dramatic end to the game saw Peterborough United snatch the trophy from under Bloomfield’s grasp. Despite the strength of the league this season, it certainly seems like the Chairboys are looking to push on, and this is backed by their transfer business. The likes of Alex Hartridge, Treeq Bakinson, Daniel Udoh and Daniel Harvie have made the permanent switch to Adam’s Park, with loanee trio Nathan Bishop, Cameron Humphreys and Aaron Morley making the temporary switch. Centre-back Taylor could well join that list before the 11 PM deadline tonight.
Although Wycombe have lost two of their three opening games, they have started picking up form with their recent wins over Rotherham United and Swansea City in the EFL Cup. They will face Premier League opposition in Aston Villa in the third round of the EFL Cup.
Writer’s View
Taylor has proven on multiple occasions that he is more than good enough for League One football. It is a shame to see the 21-year-old not get more of a chance at Albion, especially as he’s an academy product, but when a side are fighting for promotion it is extremely hard to break into a starting XI and get a run in the team. The 21-year-old, however, is still young despite his multiple loan spells and does have time on his side.
If Wycombe want to strengthen defensively, then Taylor is certainly not a bad, risk-free option to bring in on loan. With the limited time left, however, West Brom might not be willing to let him go with their current lack of defensive options at centre-back. Although he has only made 10 appearances, Taylor is a regular on the bench in Carlos Corberans squad. This may put the Baggies of letting him leave with such little time left on the clock.
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