Middlesbrough must try and muscle in on potential QPR deal for Celtic man | OneFootball

Middlesbrough should be monitoring Greg Taylor to solve their left-back issue as his contract with Celtic runs down.

There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding Middlesbrough heading into the final weeks of the January transfer window, which is far from ideal for boss Michael Carrick.

Ben Doak’s situation remains unclear, as transfer interest builds in the on-loan Liverpool winger, whilst top scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath is the subject of an £16m offer from Atlanta United, as well as attracting Premier League interest.

Ultimately, the aim will be to finish the window in a stronger position than they started, so there will be a focus on incomings as Boro chase promotion back to the top-flight.

Middlesbrough must address left-back issue despite summer Neto Borges signing

One of the priority positions for Boro to strengthen is left-back, and there has been talk that Ryan Giles could return to Teesside.

That is a deal that would make sense, as he flourished under Carrick’s guidance before during the 2022-23 season, and he is proven at Championship level.

The reality is that Lukas Engel and summer recruit Neto Borges haven’t fully convinced in a Boro shirt, so it’s understandable that the club are looking for upgrades.

Greg Taylor could be an alternative target to help Middlesbrough’s promotion push

But, Giles isn’t the only suitable option out there, with Celtic's Greg Taylor another player that Boro should be keeping tabs on, with the Scotland international defender a target for Championship rivals Hull and QPR.

Firstly, Taylor has the tactical understanding that Carrick wants individuals in his XI.

The Scotland international made huge improvements as a player following Ange Postecoglou’s appointment at Celtic.

The current Spurs chief would push his full-backs in the middle of the pitch when on the ball, and Taylor’s technical ability and intelligence ensured that he blossomed in that position.

Whilst Carrick doesn’t employ the exact same tactics, Boro like to control possession, and Taylor would help on that front. It’s worth noting that he is playing for a team that dominates regularly domestically, so it wouldn’t take a big adaptation to suit Carrick’s methods.

Under Brendan Rodgers, Taylor does invert, but he also plays as a more traditional full-back, and he can also excel when it comes to overlapping and getting in crosses.

Another positive trait the 27-year-old would bring to Boro is his winning mentality.

Taylor has been an integral figure in a Celtic side that have dominated Scottish football, and he is already on ten major honours at club level.

The expectation level in Glasgow is huge, and you simply have to win every time you pull on the hoops shirt. Carrick, having played for Man Utd, is sure to appreciate those qualities, and Taylor’s influence could rub off on others at the Riverside Stadium.

Greg Taylor could be available for a bargain fee from Celtic this month - Middlesbrough would be wise to take advantage

Finally, whilst Boro are not in a desperate financial situation, and Latte Lath’s sale would free up more funds this month, they will still be searching for bargains - and Taylor certainly falls into that category.

The Scottish champions have failed to agree a new deal with the ex-Kilmarnock man, who will be available on a free this summer.

It seems inevitable that Kieran Tierney will return to Celtic, so Taylor may not have a future at Parkhead, meaning they will be open to a sale for a cut-price this month.