Posted by L'Equipe on
Tottenham and Liverpool are reportedly set to bid for Marseille's powerful left-back Taye Taiwo in the January transfer window as Harry Redknapp begins adding power to his unbalanced squad whilst Rafa strengthens.
Tottenham and Liverpool are reportedly set to bid for Marseille's powerful left-back Taye Taiwo in the January transfer window as Harry Redknapp begins adding power to his unbalanced squad whilst Rafa strengthens. The 23-year-old Nigerian international has been linked to numerous Premier League clubs in the past year and Manchester City looked firm favourites to sign him but the arrival of Wayne Bridge may ended the interest.
Taiwo told L'Equipe, 'I know a lot of clubs, notably English ones, are following me.'
'Manchester City? Yes, that is a club who would like me, like other clubs I have heard about here and there.'
He added: 'But once again, it is up to the directors at OM to decide. Me, I am very happy at Marseille.'
Both Newcastle and Sunderland had been heavily linked to the raiding full-back in the past though one club that would ideally suit the Nigerian is Liverpool. Rafa Benitez summer signing Andrea Dossena has failed to impress since arriving at Anfield and may well be shipped out in January. Although young Argentine Emiliano Insua had performed well in recent weeks, Taiwo would fit perfectly into Liverpool's style of play and has far more experience.
The left-back has played in France for the last 3 and half seasons and has made 118 League appearances for the club (8 goals). Marseille finished a lowly 16th last season which has led to speculation concerning a number of their players but they managed to retain the Nigerian at least for now.
Not only is Taiwo renowned for his no-nonsense defending but also his attacking forays and powerful shooting ability. His long range efforts have been clocked at over 80mph so expect him to take charge of free-kicks if he does sign for Spurs..
Alternatively, Taiwo would add a new dimension toTottenham who've struggled to find a suitable left-back in recent years with Benoit Assou-Ekotto failing to make the grade and Gareth Bale desperately short of confidence. Taiwo was signed by Marseille to replace legendary French full-back Bixente Lizarazu and has become a cult figure for the club. He was part of the Nigerian side that lost to Argentina in the final of the 2005 World Youth Championships. In fact, he was voted 3rd best player in the tournament behind Lionel Messi and Obi Mikel.
The Nigerian international has is a regular in his senior national side and has won over 20 caps and scored 7 goals. He has also played in two African Cup of Nations tournaments.
Taiwo has expressed a desire to play in Britain with both Celtic and Portsmouth also reportedly expressing an interest in the past. It would seem that Spurs are in pole position to sign the powerful defender with Harry Redknapp ready to follow up his interest from when he was on the South-Coast. Whilst Liverpool may need to offload before bringing in any new stars. Marseille are reportedly after close to £8m for the player.