Taye Taiwo: African Powerhouse to Force Move to Spurs or Liverpool?

Despite comments from Marseille coach Didier Deschamps it would seem that Taye Taiwo is still pursuing a move away with Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp and Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson in hot pursuit. The powerful left-back is determined to leave and reportedly argued with his current coach concerning a move. Taiwo told skysports.com, Marseille know where I stand on this issue of a transfer.They are the ones who have to sort it out - I made my feelings clear to them.The marauding left-back was one of the few impressive performers for Nigeria at the World Cup finals in South Africa and Taiwo is desperate to move. However, Marseille do not wish to sell so it will depend on the increasing tension whether Liverpool or Spurs can tempt them to do business. Atletico Madrid are also in the hunt for the player so both Roy Hodgson and Harry Redknapp will have to be at their persuasive best if they can agree a fee with Marseille. Whether the French champions will sell is debatable but Tottenham and Liverpool are both looking to strengthen their respective defences with doubts remaining over Benoit Assou-Ekottos ability at the highest level for Spurs and the Reds currently without a recognised left-back.Taiwo issued a come and get me plea to the Premier League at the end of the 2008/09 season which alerted a number of clubs who were in the hunt to add a left-sided defender to their squads. Redknapp wants to improve the quality of the Tottenham defence and Taiwo would certainly add considerable power and pace to the back four as well as an attacking threat if Taiwo can be signed ahead of Atletico and Liverpools interest. Alongside Gareth Bale on the left-flank, Taiwo would provide Spurs with one of the strongest left-sided units in the Premier League. Alternatively he would be the ideal player to fill the role for Liverpool adding both pace, strength and an attacking threat to the team. Alongside Glen Johnson, th! e Reds w ould have one of the most attacking pair of full-backs in the Premier League.The player is confident in his ability which was perfectly illustrated by his comments to France-Football, If I was to depart, then I would not join a small club. It will be Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal.The defender wants to test his ability to play against the very best in the Premier League as Taiwos comments illustrate, I am not scared by the level in England. I believe I have the right level to defend against [Wayne] Rooney.The 25-year-old Nigerian international has been linked to numerous Premier League clubs in the past year particularly Manchester City. However, it would seem that Tottenham and Liverpool are the main threats to Atletico Madrid competing for the marauding left-back.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOWThe left-back has played in France for the last 6 seasons and has made 161 league appearances for the club (13 goals). Marseille finished 16th in the 2007/08 season which led to speculation concerning a number of their players but they managed to retain the Nigerian and it has paid off. The club came 2nd in 2008/09 season just 3 points behind champions Bordeaux with Taiwo playing in 35 of the teams 38 league games (34 starts). However, last season, Marseille finally won the title with Taiwo playing 27 of their league games (24 starts) and scoring 3 times.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 fight with either Spurs or Liverpools set-piece specialists to take charge of free-kicks if he does move to White Hart Lane or Anfield. Roy Hodgsons need to sign a full-back is far greater than Harry Redknapps following the departure of Fabio Aur! elio and Emiliano Insua this summer. However, Spurs can offer Taiwo Champions League football although Liverpool will pay more.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 is a regular in his senior national side and performed well against the star-studded Argentine forward line in South Africa. If he can force Marseille to sell him then he wont be cheap but he could prove to be a sensational signing for Harry Redknapp or Roy Hodgson if a deal can be done.So would you like your club to bring Taye Taiwo to the Premier League? Were you impressed with the Nigerian at the World Cup? Lets hear your views.
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