This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Leeds United have joined the race for highly-exciting Middlesbrough winger Marcus Tavernier, as per a report from TEAMtalk. 

Football League World exclusively learnt in the summer that Southampton and Wolves were admirers of the versatile player, with the Mail Online suggesting that Burnley were also an interested party. 

Tavernier has been an integral part of Middlesbrough's Championship campaign thus far, appearing 15 times in the league.

 

 

With 14 of those coming in the form of starts, Tavernier has a goal and an assist to his name, whilst he has been a real live wire in the attacking third for Boro. 

Here, we take a look at how three of our writers here at FLW view Leeds' interest in the 22-year-old...

Adam Jones

He might not have any Premier League experience - but this is an exciting potential addition that should be welcomed by Leeds fans.

A versatile talent, he can fill in at wing-back, in a more advanced wide position and in the middle of the park, especially useful during an injury crisis. And at 22, is likely to be an addition for the long term.

Being linked with Brennan Johnson and Lewis O'Brien in recent times too, it's clear the Whites want to recruit young players for the future, helping them to establish themselves as a top-flight team for years to come.

With the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Adam Forshaw at the club, now is the time to recruit Tavernier, treat him as a long-term project, allow him to spend time with Bielsa on the training ground and then ease him in gradually to life in the top flight.

Throwing him in straight away would be a baptism of fire to say the least, so this is why they should make a January move rather than waiting for the summer, as long as they have the funds to pull it off.

There is the argument of waiting a little while longer to let his contract run down, but he could easily sign a new long-term deal at the Riverside Stadium, so hesitation from the Whites could prove to be costly in their pursuit of the 22-year-old.

Marcus Ally 

This is a very interesting story and it would be fascinating to observe how Marcelo Bielsa would look to develop Marcus Tavernier. The 22-year-old’s attacking numbers have never been sparkling for Middlesbrough but with the added caveat that he has never had the luxury of playing in a free-flowing attacking team.

It could be his versatility that has captured the imagination at Elland Road with Bielsa well known for developing players in different roles within his system than what they appeared capable of before playing under him.

Wingers have traditionally struggled to fit into Chris Wilder’s style of play and unless Tavernier can become an effective wing back it is difficult to see where he fits in. Tavernier’s contract on Teesside runs until the end of next season which should not affect the kind of fee Boro will be able to demand for his services.

Leeds need to freshen up their squad to provide added unpredictability in the Premier League. With the chance to learn the ropes from the fringes in the short term, Tavernier could prove a shrewd acquisition in years to come.

Charlie Gregory 

I think that Leeds are shopping in the right kinds of market by thinking of bringing in Marcus Tavernier.

They probably have the financial power to be able to make moves for players across Europe and abroad that could help them challenge in the Premier League but the Championship often has a lot of talent that is overlooked - and Tavernier is one such talent.

At just 22-years-old, he has already played in over 100 games for Middlesbrough. He keeps getting better and better and looks an exciting prospect with the potential to just continue on this upward trajectory.

It could be a shrewd signing by Leeds if they did bring him in. He represents a player that could grow even more exponentially given gametime in the Premier League, having already impressed in the second tier.

If a deal can be reached, then it would be a fantastic move by Leeds - and a big blow for Boro.