Taylor may be on the move again
YOUNGSTER Jake Taylor is expected to move on from Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, after being recalled early from his loan spell with Scunthorpe United.
The midfielder’s agent says Port Vale are one of three clubs to have shown an interest, following his successful loan spell there last season.
The League Two club tried to sign Taylor on a permanent deal 12 months ago but the Reds turned down their bids.
However, it seems likely the 22-year-old will be allowed to leave the City Ground on a permanent basis this month, with agent Phil Sproson expecting a deal containing a sell-on clause rather than a large up-front fee.
“He has been recalled, that’s nothing against what’s happened at Scunthorpe,” said Sproson.
“Forest put a recall (option) in the loan there, as they do for most of them. They have to trigger it for a certain date and they did.
“Forest do things right. With loan players they have a loan manager who has seen Jake three times at Scunthorpe. It’s not one of those clubs where they are sent out on loan and it’s just ‘how did you play on Saturday?’”
During his spell with Vale, Taylor netted seven goals in 25 appearances - and he has remained on their radar.
“I speak to the Vale, as I do a number of cubs,” Sproson added. “Vale have made no secret of the fact they like the player.
“I have made Vale totally aware of where things stand, but they are one of probably three clubs that have shown an interest in him.
“In favour of Vale are the connections there and Jake’s fondness for the club. If you go anywhere and have a happy time then you have happy memories.
“But it is early days, he is only just back at Forest so we will see what happens.
“In the current climate, the bottom has fallen out for League Two and most of League One with regards to transfer fees.
“Jake isn’t going to command Championship clubs coming for him, otherwise he would be knocking on the door of Forest’s first team.
“He needs to go permanently now because he has outgrown under-23s football.
“So, he has to find a permanent home and Forest have recognised that. In Forest’s eyes, and I tend to agree with them, there is a quality player there that can comfortably play in League One.
“Somebody could get a good deal from signing the player and selling him on, even if they have to give a percentage of it away.”
At Scunthorpe, Taylor featured 14 times, with five of those appearances coming from off the bench.
He was also required to self-isolate for a time, after a family member tested positive for Covid-19.
“I have said to him, this is the pattern of a footballer. Not everything runs smoothly,” said Sproson.
“He had a good season at Port Vale, things were going well and he was scoring and getting noticed. Now he’s had to taste the other side of it where he has gone into a (Scunthorpe) side that wasn’t doing particularly well at that time.
“He has struggled for a bit of form and has had to fight and see the other side of the game.
“It will do you good coming through this. He will appreciate the good times when they come again and it will make him stronger as a man and as a player.”