Watford offered hope of raiding rivals Luton Town for summer transfer | OneFootball

Watford are interested in a move for Luton Town striker Joe Taylor.

Watford are keen to sign striker Joe Taylor from Luton Town this summer with a permanent deal reportedly a possibility despite the rivalry between the pair.

According to Football Insider, the Hornets are one of a number of Championship clubs interested in Taylor this summer.

The 21-year-old impressed in League Two and League One last season, during loan spells with Colchester United and Lincoln City.

Taylor scored a combined 21 league goals during the 2023/24 campaign, as he made a name for himself in his temporary spells away from Kenilworth Road.

He has played six times for Luton's first team, and featured from the bench in the Hatters' Championship play-off final victory against Coventry City at Wembley in 2023, before scoring his penalty in the shootout.

Watford keen on Taylor

As per the report, Watford are not the only club in the Championship that is keen on a move for Taylor.

There is little love lost between the Hornets and rivals Luton but it is thought that a permanent deal could still happen this summer – in a boost to Tom Cleverley's hopes of signing the forward.

It is no surprise that the forward's performances for Lincoln in League One at the end of last season have attracted interest from the division above after he scored 10 goals and assisted three for the Imps as they narrowly missed out on the play-offs.

His tireless pressing, runs in behind and finishing ability all stood out last season, and his energy and work-rate would be an excellent addition to the Hornets' squad as they look to improve on the disappointment of their 15th place finish in the Championship.

Taylor was one of the best strikers in League One last season when it came to winning the ball back in the final third, while his ability on the ball, decision-making and poacher's instinct also made him a key player for Lincoln. He can score all kinds of finishes, and is more than capable of scoring headers despite not being the tallest.

Watford have brought in teenage forwards Mamadou Doumbia and Rocco Vata already this summer, adding to the likes of Vakoun Bayo and Mileta Rajovic in the Hornets' striking department. Signing Taylor would give Watford something different in the final third.

Luton Town should be in no rush to sell Joe Taylor

After Luton were relegated back to the Championship last season, it will be interesting to see whether they want to lose Taylor this summer, especially to their main rivals.

When Luton brought in the promising striker from Peterborough United in January 2023, Rob Edwards spoke highly of the signing.

He said: "He always seems to be on the shoulder of the last defender, looking for that ball over the top to run in behind.

"He's got good pace and we believe he's a real threat who will always create chances for himself. He needs a little bit of work and time, but we believe we can develop him into a top striker here."

The Hatters have the likes of Elijah Adebayo and Carlton Morris, who did well in the Premier League, but Taylor could give them a different option in games and he will surely be hoping that he can get an opportunity at Championship level next season.

Luton should not be in any rush to sell Taylor during this transfer window, as he undoubtedly has plenty of potential and Watford are just one of the clubs that have identified that.

If the Hatters' feel that they cannot give Taylor enough playing time next season, then they should consider another loan move, unless Watford or one of the other potential suitors make an offer that is too good to turn down.