By Mark Sugar
July 17 2005
Reading Manager Steve Coppell is looking at Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor and Leeds defender Matthew Kilgallon reports today's edition of the Daily Star Newspaper.They report that Coppell has flown to Norway on a spying mission to catch Taylor where Birmingham are currently playing.
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TAYLOR & KILGALLON TARGETS? |
| Sunday's edition of the Daily Star Newspaper are
reporting that Reading Manager Steve Coppell has flown to Norway this week to
watch Leeds United defender Matthew Kilgallon and Birmingham City defender
Martin Taylor. They report that Coppell was impressed with the Leeds United centre half who had a loan spell at West Ham 2 seasons ago and could be set to make a move for the defender. Kilgallon was bought up through the ranks in the Leeds United academy that has seen players such as Alan Smith, James Milner and Paul Robinson all come through and move onto better things. He made his Leeds United debut in November 2002 in a UEFA Cup tie against Hapoel Tel Aviv. He joined Alan Pardew's West Ham at the start of the 2003/2004 season on loan where he impressed. Kilgallon also has International honours with England U20's level. Last summer, he put pen to paper on a 2 year contract and has proved his value by playing in an unfamiliar position of left back. The report also suggests that Birmingham City's versatile defender Martin Taylor is another target being pursued. Taylor could be allowed to leave if the Blues are successful in bringing former Newcastle and Southampton full back Olivier Bernard to St Andrews. Birmingham are also in pole position to land Walter Pandiani from La Liga giants Deportivo La Coruna and Blues boss Steve Bruce may have to free up wage space by landing the "riffle" which could see Taylor allowed to leave. The 6ft 4inch player joined the club from Blackburn Rovers in January 2004 for £1.25million. He was a product of the Rovers youth academy. Taylor has been capped just the once by the England U21's. He made his debut in March 1999 and has proved his worth by being able to fill in at either centre back or full back during his career. His preferred position is centre half. Taylor only made 12 appearances last season and opened his Blues account with a rather fortunate goal against Middlesborough. The Royals fly to Sweden this week, so the idea that Coppell may already be Norway seems a good possibility. Why not have your say on the rumours, visit the 1871Royals Message Board |
