Leeds United have joined the race to sign Middlesbrough starlet Marcus Tavernier and could make a move in January.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Marcus Tavernier has become the latest player to be linked with a move to Leeds United. The Middlesbrough midfielder has emerged as an option for the Premier League outfit as they look to shore up their options in the upcoming January transfer window.
Formerly of the Newcastle United academy, Tavernier was actually born in Leeds. Having joined the Middlesbrough youth setup in 2013, he was always regarded as one for the future. It was in the 2018/19 campaign when he made his first real professional breakthrough, featuring in 20 Championship matches.
Tavernier has since gone from strength to strength, slowly becoming a key player for Middlesbrough. The 22-year-old has already notched up 122 competitive appearances for Boro, 15 of which have come in the new season.
His tally of just 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions might not raise too many eyebrows. However, the Leeds boy has been one of the most intriguing players for the club, largely due to his versatility.
A left midfielder by trade, Tavernier can operate almost anywhere in the middle of the park. It makes him an appealing target for Marcelo Bielsa, who has struggled with a lack of depth in his squad this season, especially after being forced to let go of Ezgjan Alioski and Pablo Hernandez in the summer.
Their existing options in Mateusz Klich, Rodrigo Moreno and Tyler Roberts haven’t performed all too well either, leading the club to scour the market for reinforcements. They have been notably linked with a move Chelsea outcast Ross Barkley, but the Whites may face stiff competition.
That is where Marcus Tavernier comes into the fray, as Leeds believe he could be a cost-effective option in the upcoming winter transfer window. The player’s current contract at Middlesbrough expires in 2023, so he is unlikely to cost a fortune, while his overall versatility and ability to create chances could be useful for Leeds’ attacking game.
At the same time, though, the 22-year-old’s lack of experience at the highest level of football does raise doubts over whether or not he can perform in the Premier League. Leeds, to that end, might end up fancying a more experienced player like Barkley or another top target in Raul de Tomas in this upcoming January market.
