(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
Leeds United boss Garry Monk has hit out at Charlie Taylor's advisors after the young defender refused to play against Wigan on Sunday.
The 23-year-old full-back is out of contract in the summer, and has been linked with moves away from Elland Road all season, with West Brom, Burnley and Bournemouth Premier League clubs reportedly interested.
Taylor refused to play against the Latics, in which a 1-1 draw finally ended any dreams Leeds had of a play-off spot, and he now looks closer to the exit door than ever before.
Speaking after the game, Monk told Radio Leeds: “I'm hugely disappointed with Charlie. I think he's been terribly advised all season.”
Taylor has grown up at Leeds, having been in the academy since he was nine years old, and after making his debut in 2011, has gone on to make over 104 first-team appearances.
Last summer, he told the club he was not interested in opening talks on a new deal, and had a transfer request rejected in August as he tried to force through a move before the window slammed shut.
With Gaetano Berardi and Luke Ayling comfortable at left-back, Taylor's departure might not be a huge blow to Leeds fans, but their boss is still bitterly disappointed with the whole episode.
“I understand he's very young, and we've tried to help him and guide him from within, but it's very difficult to get him fully committed,” Monk said.
“Had he had some better advice from the outside, I think we would have seen a better Charlie Taylor this season and left on better terms, if that's what's going to happen. But that's over to the club and the player now.”
