Celtic's pursuit of Kilmarnock defender Greg Taylor has taken a setback after it was revealed that Sunderland are also chasing the 21-year-old.

The Daily Record reports that the Black Cats have now entered the chase for the Scotland international after they've struggled to fill their left back slot. Bryan Oviedo and Reece James have both left the club, with Denver Hume the only naturally left-footed full back left on their books.

Jack Ross is hoping to strengthen in that area before the transfer deadline next week, with Taylor emerging as a target in the last 24 hours.

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It was widely reported over the weekend that Neil Lennon was preparing a £3m bid for Taylor, who began his career as a youth at Rangers before being released at the age of sixteen for being 'too small'.

He's since racked up 111 SPFL appearances for Killie, making 138 outings in all competitions. Last season he helped them to qualify for the Europa League, only for them to be eliminated this summer in the preliminary rounds by part-timers Connah's Quay.

The Verdict

This is another big spend for Sunderland if it goes ahead. Where has the £3m come from? They were looking at one in, one out, not so long ago.

It's a big message to send to the rest of League One, some club's entire budget won't stretch to £3m. If anyone needed an indication of the disparity between the clubs at this level, this is it.

For any side in the English third-tier to be fighting Celtic for a player is simply ridiculous, especially when another one of those clubs were thrown out of the league last night.

Sunderland certainly need promotion this season, as their spending shows.