Sunderland's pursuit of Kilmarnock left-back Greg Taylor has not got off to a good start, with their initial bid having been rejected as reported by Sky Sports Keith Downie.

The Black Cats are interested in the defender as a possible replacement for Denver Hume, the only natural left-footed full-back they have on their books at the moment.

They're reportedly poised to do battle with Celtic for his signature, but their initial bid has fallen somewhat short of Killie's valuation of the player.

Taylor, who recently won his first full Scotland cap, is thought to be valued at £3m by his parent club, but that's a figure Celtic have also already refused to meet.

[ad_pod ]

The 21-year-old spent his youth career with Rangers but was released after being deemed 'too small' for their professional ranks.

He's gone on to make over 100 appearances for Kilmarnock in the SPFL, helping them to a Europa League spot last season, although they were knocked out in the preliminary rounds by Welsh minnows Connah's Quay.

The Verdict

It seems that Kilmarnock are keen to hang on to their prized possession, but we've seen this sort of pursuit before.

Sunderland started their bidding for Will Grigg at £250,000 and ended up paying £4m. I hope they don't get carried away like that here.

They're still thinking like a Championship team. Paying £1m for a left-back in the third-tier is utter madness. Look at Luke O'Nien; he's been a great player for them and he arrived from Wycombe for nothing.

There is quality in their division and it wouldn't cost £1m to prise someone away from a side in the bottom half of the table. They need to stop and think for a moment.