View: Robbie Savage surely spot on with defence of under fire reported West Brom target
Robbie Savage has jumped to the defence of reported West Brom target Lyle Taylor, and it's hard to disagree with him.
The Charlton Athletic striker has made headlines in recent days after manager Lee Bowyer revealed that he was one of three Addicks players who have refused to play for the Championship side when the season resumes later this month.
The reason cited by Bowyer is the likelihood of Taylor securing a move away from The Valley this summer with his contract due to expire in the coming weeks, and no renewal set to be agreed.
Unwilling to risk a potential injury in the closing weeks of the campaign, Taylor - who has been linked with a potential switch to West Brom by Sky Sports - has downed tools.
And Robbie Savage has argued that he would do the same if he was the 30-year-old striker.
Writing in a column for the Mirror, he said: "If I put myself in Taylor's shoes, I have to admit I would probably have done the same thing.
"It would be a different story if he had played in the Premier League for a few years, earned good money in the top flight and he was just looking to top up his retirement fund with one last payday.
"But Taylor is 30 years old, he has grafted all his working life in the lower divisions or in Scotland - and this might be his last chance to make his family financially secure for life.
"I totally understand Charlton's frustration with Taylor, but I simply can't find it in myself to begrudge him a move that will set him up for life. At his age, at this stage of his life, he is probably dealing with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure his family's future."
And it's hard to pick fault with his argument.
You can understand why Charlton will be gutted by not having their star man available for the run-in, but if Taylor were to pick up an injury and rule himself out of a summer move, he would never forgive himself.
In an ideal world, he would play, but sometimes you have to be pragmatic, especially when there is so much at stake.
And his caution could stand to benefit Albion too.
If he keeps himself fit, and if we win the race to land him this summer, we would be bringing in a very accomplished striker on a free transfer.
Taylor's choice may be controversial, but it is surely the right one for him.
In other West Brom news, Bilic has a major dilemma on the horizon for once the season resumes.