With the word on the street being Aston Villa’s talks with Portsmouth’s Matthew Taylor, it’s unlikely that they’ll be the sole club in for the left sided player before long. The lad has shown an ability to play left back, left midfield, and provide a strong attacking threat. His defending, as with any such player, is not his outstanding attribute but he doesn’t really put in the kind of calamitous performances that the likes of Titus Bramble or other truly shocking defenders are known for. Solid, is probably the best word.
So who is best placed to woo him?
The Big Four are unlikely to step in. Chelsea and Manchester United have an abundance of left backs, Liverpool might step in to give John Arne Riise some competition as the club’s marauding left sided player and Arsenal probably won’t want to pay the inflated “British Player Price Tag ™” to get him.
Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle are the clubs most often linked with Taylor, and if he decides to leave Portsmouth it’s a safe bet he’ll land at one of them.
While Aston Villa finished mid-table, there’s no doubting that Martin O’Neill will have his lads performing even better next season and – with an alleged 30 million pound transfer kitty – should have plenty more talent by the time the new Premiership season starts. Newcastle were utter toss but with Big Sam at the helm and another bout of “Big Club” spending this summer there’s every reason to pick them to do well next season. Everton are the least glamorous option due to lack of spectacular managerial change or big name financier, yet arguably the safest. They’ve been consistent and have a strong first eleven, with a few decent signings (more Arteta’s and Cahill’s, less Beattie’s) should again be comfortably in the UEFA spots. Tottenham have apparently secured Gareth Bale’s signature but with Taylor could push either player into midfield and have the most disorganised left side in the history of football. If Matty likes his football free flowing and completely lacking in defensive responsibilities, he could do worse than Spurs.
Portsmouth will have UEFA cup goals in their eyes again for next year, and Harry will be doing everything he can to keep Taylor, but if he does leave then which club would suit ol’ Mattsy best?