Kilmarnock’s acquisition of left-back Niko Hamalainen combined with their captain’s comments bode well for Celtic’s pursuit of Greg Taylor.
Taylor has, of course, been linked with the Hoops in recent days. He’s reportedly high on Neil Lennon’s list when it comes to left-back cover (Daily Record). The lack of confidence in Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo from supporters has made further left-back competition essential.
Just last week, Killie boss Angelo Alessio was stating that he isn’t willing to sell Taylor (BBC). Taylor was also out saying that no offer had come in for him as of yet (Daily Record).
But with events over the last 24 hours at Killie, it’s fair to say they could be gearing up to lose Taylor this summer.
Earlier on today, the Ayrshire side announced the signing of Hamalainen. The left-back has played for the likes of QPR and Los Angeles FC in the MLS. He arrives on a loan deal from QPR, and it certainly won’t be to sit on the bench either.
Given Hamalainen’s pedigree, there’s no way he’s in Scotland to be a substitute. QPR will want him out getting game-time regularly. And, the only way he’s going to be doing that is if Taylor leaves Killie.
Dicker comments don’t bode well for them either
Meanwhile, their own captain Gary Dicker has stated that he fears losing the left-back. Speaking to BBC’s Sportsound programme, Dicker said the following:
“Yeah, you do (worry). I think his agent must have been giving out the man of the match awards because he’s had two in the last two games!
“You always want to keep your best players, but people outgrow clubs at times. You see Greg and I think people were surprised that he started for Scotland, but I think all the boys here weren’t because they knew what he can do.
“If he’s here for the season I’d be delighted but if he can get a big move I don’t think anyone would begrudge him, especially with the age he’s at.”
Dicker’s comments here certainly don’t toe the party line on Taylor. Even though there’s been no bid for him, you have to take all of that with a pinch of salt.
How often did we hear from Lennon this summer that Arsenal hadn’t come back in for Tierney? This feels similar but for the fact we’re now on the other side of it.
Of course, it could be something that drags out until after Rosenborg’s tie against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. Fellow target Birger Meling is participating in that one, and a move for him could be possible if his club fails to qualify for the group stages.
But for now, it looks as though Killie are gearing up to lose Taylor. It remains to be seen whether Parkhead is his final destination.
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