Leeds United: West Brom step up quest to finalise Taylor transfer

WEST BROMWICH ALBION will step up their quest to sign Leeds United left-back Charlie Taylor this week in a bid to land the defender without the need for a tribunal.

Taylor’s contract at Leeds expires at the end of June and the defender’s Elland Road exit has been on the cards for some time. The left-back rejected United’s offer of a new contract last summer and swiftly handed in a transfer request which was rejected.

The defender then refused to play in United’s season finalé at Wigan Athletic this term and West Brom have long been favourites to seal the 23-year-old’s signature.

Albion are keen to strike a deal with Leeds as soon as possible and avoid the need for a tribunal in the event that Taylor’s contract has expired.

The Whites ensured their right to gain compensation for the left-back by offering the defender a new deal earlier this month which Leeds do not expect Taylor to sign.

But United’s offer will guarantee a fee when Taylor joins another club this summer.

United are entitled to compensation due to Taylor being under the age of 24, but were required by EFL rules to propose a fresh deal matching his current salary.