TeamTalk revealed this week that Marcelo Bielsa is interested in bringing Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier to Leeds United in January.
The Englishman, still only 22, has a good amount of experience under his belt already. He has played 122 senior games for Boro in all competitions and the next big step in his career would be a move to the Premier League.
The report claims that along with Leeds United, fellow top-flight sides Southampton, Brighton and Burnley are all keeping an eye on him as well.
A move to the best league in the world could well be on the cards for Tavernier in January, and if Leeds want any more convincing, ex-Boro boss Neil Warnock’s comments should fill them with confidence.
Neil Warnock: Leeds-linked Tavernier could become the new Mason Mount
Tavernier played 55 times for Boro under Warnock and he was impressive. The ex-Boro boss tipped him to follow the same career path as Chelsea star Mason Mount, who really thrived in his debut Premier League season.
He said last year, as per Boro News: “I think he has a few strings to his bow, to be honest. I looked at Mason Mount and how he’s come on in the 12 months, there’s no reason why Tav can’t do that in the next 12 months.
“If he motivates himself and listens he’s got some great attributes and good habits, and one or two not so good. All being well we can put him in the right direction and he’ll become a very good player. Not that he isn’t now but I think he could become even better.”
TBR View:
Leeds’ interest in Tavernier may seem strange at first, but he could be a really good addition under Bielsa.
Tavernier can play on either flank and anywhere across central midfield. He has also featured at full-back in the past, which makes him a very useful player for Leeds and other interested Premier League sides.
It will be interesting to see how this pans out. Tavernier will have just 18 months left on his contract in January and if Leeds and other interested sides play their cards right, they could sign him for a bargain fee.
