Daniel Feliciano

Mon 3 January 2022 14:30, UK

West Brom have been dealt a blow in their hunt for Neil Taylor after Chris Wilder revealed he expects him to sign a new deal and stay at Middlesbrough.

The former Swansea and Aston Villa left-back joined Boro on a short-term contract in November and has featured just twice, leading to speculation he could leave the club when his deal expires this month.

West Brom were one of five clubs linked with a potential move to bring him in [talkSPORT], but Middlesbrough boss Wilder has seemingly poured cold water on those rumours.

Speaking to Northern Echo, the former Sheffield United manager revealed that the club are currently in negotiations with Taylor about extending his deal to the end of the season and he expects him to stay.

“We’re in conversation with Neil as we speak” Wilder said.

“I think you spoke to him. The professional that he is wants to get the games out of the way. I suspect there will be no issue with that and Neil will be with us until the end of the season.”

Not a big deal

While West Brom would certainly benefit from getting Taylor through the door as part of their squad for the second half of the season, not signing him wouldn’t be the end of the world either.

At 32-years-old Taylor is past his prime, which saw him play well in the Premier League for Swansea during their stint in the top flight.

But with Conor Townsend excelling in the left-wing-back position under Valerien Ismael and Taylor Gardner-Hickman signing a new deal with the club last week, it’s a position that is well covered.

His experience would certainly have been useful in the dressing room as the team look to embark on a battle for promotion, but the team isn’t lacking in experience currently so it’s not an attribute they’re crying out for.

Ultimately it’s a deal that if it does go through would have benefits, but it isn’t one that any Baggies fans will be losing any sleep over if it doesn’t.

In other West Brom news, free January deal on the cards for 43-cap star – report.