The club were linked with a move for Middlesbrough’s Marcus Tavernier yesterday. TEAMtalk reported that we had an interest in signing the 19-year-old on loan.
However, Portsmouth are reportedly favourites to sign the Boro winger before the window shuts tomorrow. I polled supporters about whether a move for the England U19 International would be a good idea, and almost three-quarters thought we should look elsewhere:
It’s a bit of a strange rumour, to be honest with you. Tavernier was given his debut by Garry Monk at Middlesbrough last season, but he plays in a position in which we are well stocked.
Jacques Maghoma, new signing Connor Mahoney and Viv Solomon-Otabor can all play on the left-hand side so a move for another wide man would make little sense.
The only reason I can think of that could explain why we would be interested is if Monk is considering him as a central midfielder. At youth level, Tavernier played most of his football in the middle of the park, but since making his senior debut, he has been shifted out wide.
With Monk having stated that we are not close to signing anyone, I think we can safely dismiss this move for the teenager.