Sheffield Wednesday were interested in Lyle Taylor earlier in the season and have recently been linked with the 30-year-old this summer, but Garry Monk has played down any talk of Taylor coming to Hillsborough when his contract expires at Charlton Athletic.
The prolific striker is refusing to play in the Addicks’ remaining games as he doesn’t want to risk injury ahead of a big-money move, but Monk says that lack of commitment would sour his interest in a player. Taylor was already an ambitious target given 11 more clubs are keen, but it doesn’t appear the Wednesday boss even wants the gamble.
Monk told talkSPORT via Yorkshire Live: “It’s a difficult situation. As a manager, you know why they’re (refusing to play). But in terms of your thinking about that player, a lot of it comes down to character.
“Maybe that would put a doubt in your mind when going after that player. In recruitment, the main side of it is what he can bring to your team. But there’s a big thing on the character side and you’re looking for traits in players.”
Taylor has openly explained his reasoning for refusing to play, but Charlton are fighting for survival in the Championship and will be without their top scorer (11 goals in 22 league games). The Addicks have nine games remaining and are two points adrift of safety, so it could be fairly argued that Taylor could be the difference between survival and relegation.
It’s understandable why Monk would ask questions of his character if he’s happy to abandon his teammates.
