Forget reigniting Joe Taylor deal - Huddersfield Town should swoop for Wycombe Wanderers hot-shot: View | OneFootball

Huddersfield Town were linked with a move for Luton striker Joe Taylor in the summer, but they should turn their attentions elsewhere in January.

Huddersfield Town already boast a strong, varied strike force, with the likes of Josh Koroma, Bojan Radulovic, Callum Marshall, and Freddie Ladapo to call upon.

That didn't prevent the Terriers from being heavily linked with a move for Luton Town youngster Joe Taylor over the summer. However, a deal was never concluded, leaving the Wales Under-21 attacker at Kenilworth Road until January at least.

There's every chance Huddersfield boss Michael Duff will look to resurrect the deal for a striker, who has excelled in loan spells in the third and fourth tiers in recent years, but other alternatives have come to the fore and may prove a better value-for-money option for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Taylor was part of the junior sides at Norwich City, before being released as a teenager, subsequently playing non-league football for the likes of Swaffham Town, Wroxham, and King's Lynn Town between 2017 and 2021.

Showing real potential while with the Linnets, the striker was snapped up by Championship side Peterborough United just before his 19th birthday, initially joining up with the club's academy side.

The striker quickly began to shine in the Under-23 team, earning himself a place in the first-team squad for the Posh, who have become renowned for identifying lower-league talent and giving them a platform to showcase their ability before selling them on at a profit.

While Taylor only featured sporadically in his 14 months at London Road, Luton Town - another club recognised for their savvy recruitment - had seen enough to take the youngster to Kenilworth Road in January 2023.

The Hatters' promotion to the Premier League at the end of that season made it difficult for the Peterborough-born man to get regular opportunities at Rob Edwards' side. Instead, Taylor had prolific loan spells at League Two Colchester United and League One Lincoln City respectively, throughout the 2023/24 campaign, with his form and figures catching the eye of many.

Recently relegated Huddersfield appeared to lead the chase for the 21-year-old, but no agreement was forthcoming, with Taylor having to make do with a place on the Luton bench in the opening quarter of the season.

The Terriers may well make another move for the pacy, energetic striker in January, but perhaps their attention should turn elsewhere.

Kone has been a revelation at Wycombe Wanderers

Benji Walker (@benjiwalkerphoto)

21-year-old Ivorian forward Richard Kone arrived in England in 2019, signing for 10th-tier Lopes Tavares (quickly renamed Athletic Newham) at the age of 16 and playing in the Essex Senior League.

Promotion and goals aplenty followed as the youngster proved far too good for the standard he was operating at. Interest from clubs far higher up the pyramid followed, with Kone joining third-tier Wycombe Wanderers in January of this year.

Since making the six-step jump, the attacker has quickly excelled once more, scoring 12 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions for an ever-competitive Choirboys outfit doing well under Matt Bloomfield.

The six-foot forward is still very much a work in progress but offers all the raw attributes that could see him reach the very top. Quick, strong, aggressive, and with a natural striker's instinct, Kone looks more than comfortable already in League One.

After coming off the bench to net a nine-minute hat-trick in the recent victory over Peterborough, Kone was quick to tell BBC Three Counties Radio of his desire to keep progressing: "I'm always working to try and learn more, trying to improve myself, and learn from the boys - they are all helping me in my career in this league."

The youngster looks the real deal, and Huddersfield should consider making a move for Kone instead of Taylor, particularly if it's a more cost-effective option to complete their forward line.

21-year-old would compliment his Terriers teammates well

Many of Kone's contributions in a Wycombe shirt have come as an impact substitute. The Abidjan-born forward is still adjusting to the requirements of the professional game following his steep rise.

However, that's a role in which he could benefit Huddersfield as they look for an instant return to the Championship.

Duff has some fantastic options to choose from already in forward areas. Spanish-born Serbian youth international Bojan Radulovic and former Ipswich Town man Freddie Ladapo provide real power and athleticism, while West Ham United loanee Callum Marshall and the experienced Danny Ward offering technical qualities to get in between the lines and link the play.

Kone could be that wildcard option, though. Somebody known to change matches regularly and pose an all-around threat against tiring defenders.

The Ivorian would cost a fee, but it would be more than worth it if his goals prove the difference between promotion and failure.

Opponents wouldn't relish looking over to the sidelines to see a fresh Kone waiting in the wings after battling with the aforementioned attackers for much of the game.

It's fair to say Taylor could provide these attributes, too, and either he or Kone would appear to be a very shrewd investment by Duff on the surface.

Given their comparative career trajectories thus far, however, it's likely Kone would be a cheaper option, and perhaps seen as better value-for-money to complement Koroma, Ladapo and co as the Terriers target promotion.