West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a knockout blow in their bid to bring Neil Taylor to The Hawthorns in the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that the 32-year-old is set to put pen to paper on a contract extension with Middlesbrough in the coming days, a deal which will see the left-back remain with Chris Wilder's side until the end of the current campaign.

The report goes on to state that this will come as a huge blow to Valerien Ismael, as the West Brom manager - as well as Bristol City and Coventry City - had expressed an interest in signing the former Wales international on a free transfer this month.

Ismael will be fuming

With Conor Townsend being the only natural left-back currently in the West Brom squad, it is clear to see that, should Ismael wish to give Albion the best possible chance of securing a top-two finish in the league this season, the Frenchman's side could very much do with greater depth in the position.

And, while it is true that Taylor has not exactly enjoyed the best campaigns of his career over the past two seasons, making a grand total of just five appearances in all competitions since the beginning of 2020/21, the Welshman's experience in both the Premier League and at winning promotion from the Championship would have undoubtedly made him a very welcome winter addition for the Baggies.

Indeed, over his £540k-rated defender helped his side keep eight clean sheets, registered three assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 2.2 clearances and winning 54% of his duels per game - playing a huge role in Villa's promotion-winning campaign.

Furthermore, the 32-year-old also has the experience of 146 Premier League fixtures over spells with both Villa and Swansea City behind him, something that would be invaluable in helping some of the Baggies' younger or less experienced players make a real push for automatic promotion in the second half of the season.

As such, it is clear to see that, while Taylor may not have come in as a guaranteed starter at The Hawthorns, missing out on the left-back will undoubtedly have left Ismael fuming, as the 43-capped defender would certainly have brought a great deal more to the club than just depth at left-back.

In other news: Steve Madeley drops worrying West Brom update that will leave Baggies fans outraged