Middlesbrough told to strike "cheap" Southampton transfer agreement as Jonny Howson factor cited | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough Fan Pundit Liam discusses Boro's links to Southampton defender Charlie Taylor.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Middlesbrough are eyeing a move for Southampton defender Charlie Taylor, with the experienced full-back out of favour at St Mary's.

Boro won their opening match of the 2025/26 Championship campaign on home soil against Swansea, before falling to a shock 4-0 defeat at the hands of Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup.

With three weeks of the transfer window remaining, the Teesiders are looking to strengthen Rob Edwards' squad further, and are looking at 31-year-old Taylor, as reported by Alan Nixon.

Taylor joined Southampton on a free transfer last summer, arriving from Burnley after a sensational spell with the Clarets. However, the left-back made just 10 appearances in all competitions as the Saints were relegated back to the Championship.

Claim made on potential Charlie Taylor, Middlesbrough deal

Speaking to Football League World, Boro Fan Pundit Liam Day was asked whether Taylor would be a good addition for the club, and responded positively regarding a potential deal.

"It would be a good signing," Liam told FLW.

"Rob Edwards has spoken previously about how he wants players who can fit into multiple positions. At his current age, he could fit better at left-centre-back.

"He has lots of experience in the Premier League, and also experience when it comes to getting out of this league."

Signing for Burnley in 2017, Taylor made 161 appearances for Burnley in the Premier League, as well as a further 33 as the Clarets achieved promotion back to the top flight in 2023.

"31 is not too old," added Liam.

"Jonny Howson played until he was 36, so I will never write anyone off until they look past their best. If it is somewhat of a cheap deal, I would be happy with it.

"Pace won't be needed as much in a back three as it would be in a back four, so I would be very happy with Charlie Taylor."

Charlie Taylor would bring bags of experience if landing at Middlesbrough

Since their relegation back to the Championship in 2017, Boro have achieved a play-off finish just twice, with this record being far from ideal for a club that expects to be at the thick end of the promotion race.

Taylor, alongside new Boro boss Rob Edwards, knows what it is like to ascend from the Championship, with both Taylor and Edwards achieving promotion with Burnley and Luton in the 2022/23 season.

With almost 400 career appearances, Taylor would bring bags of experience to a Middlesbrough side desperate to get back to promotion-winning ways.

It is unlikely that Taylor would arrive to be the flying left-wing back in Edwards' system; however, he would provide experience, composure and excellent Championship quality on the left of the back three the Boro head coach has become known for.