West Brom advancing in talks with Championship rivals to land experienced asset
West Brom are expected to announce their first deadline day arrival shortly, with another perhaps to follow from Southampton.
West Bromwich Albion are closing in on the signing of Southampton left-back Charlie Taylor on a season-long loan deal, Birmingham World understands.
The Baggies have been eager to add depth and cover on the left side of defence and an approach for Taylor has been made with exactly that in mind. Callum Styles is the current first choice in the position but the lack of competition has been a worry, at least until now.
Albion are understood to be in advanced talks with Southampton to loan Taylor for the duration of the 2025/26 campaign. The 31-year-old is now into the final 10 months of his Saints contract after joining from Burnley last summer, but it’s a temporary move being pursued rather than a permanent one.
It’s a change of surroundings for Taylor, who played just 10 times for Southampton last season, making just eight appearances in the top flight. The experienced defender is yet to play for Will Still’s side in the Championship this term, too, though he has played twice in the Carabao Cup.
Taylor started his career with Leeds and made more than 100 appearances for the Whites until joining Burnley in 2017. He has played almost 400 senior games and would further add to Albion's experience and leadership under Ryan Mason.
Albion are set for a busy end to the window as Taylor isn’t the only loan addition expected before the 7pm deadline, with a deal fully agreed to sign Samuel Iling Junior from local rivals Aston Villa. Although Iling Junior was deployed as a left-back on loan at Middlesbrough last campaign, the former Juventus man is likelier to play as a winger for the Baggies.