Middlesbrough target move for ‘technically gifted’ Southampton star who Will Still ‘loves’

Add as preferred source on Google

Middlesbrough have reportedly lined up a move for a player from Championship rivals Southampton.

Both Middlesbrough and Southampton began their 2025/26 Championship seasons on a winning note.

Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 at the Riverside thanks to a second-half goal from defender Dael Fry.

Wrexham shocked the Saints by going into the interval in the lead, but two injury-time goals from Ryan Manning and Jack Stephens secured three points for Will Still in his first Championship game in charge.

Now, both Boro and Southampton are embroiled in a transfer, with Rob Edwards’ side said to be targeting an experienced Saints figure.

• READ MORE: Rob Edwards has ‘clear’ motive for bizarre Middlesbrough decision, it’s a ‘little bit different’

Middlesbrough eye ‘surprise move’ for Southampton defender Charlie Taylor

Middlesbrough have been in the market for recruits on the left side of defence since the arrival of Edwards to suit his three-back formation.

Middlesbrough submitted a £2.25m bid for Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew which has since been rejected, and EFL Analysis exclusively revealed recently that Arfsten has ‘had his head turned’ by Middlesbrough.

Before that, Middlesbrough missed out on Alfie Doughty following his switch from Luton Town to Millwall, with the left wing-back mooted as Edwards’ “dream” Middlesbrough signing.

Now, Middlesbrough are reportedly targeting a surprising move for Saints left-back Charlie Taylor.

Journalist Alan Nixon reports on Patreon: “Middlesbrough are lining up a surprise move for Southampton’s experienced left back Charlie Taylor.

“Boro want to strengthen the position and have been looking into a bargain deal for the former Burnley and Leeds defender.

“Taylor may struggle to play for Saints so a chance to join a major rival back in the north could appeal to him.”

31-year-old Taylor joined Southampton for free last summer after leaving Burnley, and played ten games in all competitions last term.

• READ MORE: Tyler Dibling’s Southampton future becomes clear after latest update amid Everton transfer saga

What Will Still has said about Charlie Taylor amid Middlesbrough links

Taylor was not present for the Wrexham win in Still’s squad, but the defender is poised to feature tonight (August 12) in the Carabao Cup clash against Northampton Town.

As quoted by the Daily Echo, Still said: “Charlie Taylor will also be involved, which is good. I love Chaz, he’s a really good guy. The best team will play and we’ll try to win.”

With Middlesbrough set to lose Rav van den Berg to FC Koln after agreeing a deal with the German outfit, and the move for Arfsten stalling, Edwards needs defensive recruits on the left side of defence.

After Taylor signed at Southampton last summer, Russell Martin told Southampton’s website: “Charlie brings a wealth of Premier League experience to the side which will be vital for us.

“He’s a great character who will fit into what we’re building here. Technically, he’s a gifted passer of the ball and has versatility.”

Given Still’s appraisal of Taylor, the Saints boss may be reluctant to sanction a sale for the experienced defender, who has a chance to stake his claim for a starting role in the Southampton squad in the Carabao Cup clash.