Old Firm face 10-way fight to lure Taylor
BY FRASER WILSON CELTIC and Rangers face a scrap if they want to land Lyle Taylor this summer with up to 10 clubs thought to be in for the former Charlton striker.
Record Sport understands both the Hoops and Gers held tentative talks with Taylor’s representatives earlier in the summer although neither has firmed-up initial interest.
The 30-year-old scored 11 goals for Charlton last season but hit the headlines when he refused to extend his contract to see out the Championship season after the campaign resumed.
Taylor, who had spells at Falkirk and Partick Thistle earlier in his career, is a free agent and refused to return to action over fears of picking up an injury that could jeopardise a big move.
Nottingham Forest are interested as are fellow Championship sides Swansea and West Brom. Burnley have also been linked as have Turkish sides Galatasaray and Sivasspor.
On Taylor’s decision not to return after lockdown, Charlton boss Lee Bowyer said: “It’s difficult because he’s got a chance of earning life-changing money.
“It’s not like he’s a young lad and has many years in front of him.
“I can half understand because he may not get this opportunity again.”
Taylor scored 29 goals in 42 appearances for Falkirk in 2012-13, earning a move to Sheffield United.
He returned north on loan to Partick Thistle in the following season and notched seven times in 20 games. A second spell on loan at Firhill in 2014-15 brought a four-goal haul from 16 appearances.