'He ticks a lot of boxes' - Chesterfield manager James Rowe comments on transfer target Joel Taylor from Chester

The DT has been told the left-back, 24, has agreed personal terms with Chesterfield.

When asked about Taylor on Monday, Rowe said: “He is a good player.

“I have obviously seen him over the last few years.

“He would definitely add something to our team.

“He ticks a lot of boxes the way I want to play, with how far he runs, how many high intensity efforts he has, what his technical attributes are.

“But I have got nothing to report on that. I know there has been a lot of media speculation over the last few days but I don’t really look into that. I know what is going on behind the scenes and I have got no update on that at the moment.”

Taylor was not included in Chester’s matchday squad against York City on Saturday and joint boss Anthony Johnson said the defender had had ‘his head turned.’

“There has been interest from a football club and they have turned his head,” Johnson said.

"I get it, it is a higher league club, I understand, but if you are not fully focused on what we are trying to do then we won’t rely on you. Let’s see what happens over the next couple of days and go from there."

The attacking full-back won the Blues’ Player of the Year award in 2019/20 and was named in the National League North team of the season after making 38 appearances.

Taylor is said to be a fans’ favourite at the Deva Stadium for his high-energy and pacey displays going forward as well as his defensive ability.

According to Chester’s official club website, Taylor signed a new 18-month deal at the start of 2020.

If Taylor does make the move to the Spireites then he will link-up with his former Chester team-mate Akwasi Asante, 28, who was James Rowe’s first signing after being named manager last month.

Taylor, who started his career at Stoke City, signed for Chester in May 2019 from Kidderminster Harriers.