Transfer gossip (Thurs, Aug 25): Liverpool in for Leeds star | Owls in talks with Argentinian | Barnsley defender wanted

Taylor, 22, is out of contract in the summer of 2017 and formally asked for a transfer request last month after Whites owner Massimo Cellino accused him of refusing to enter into talks about a new deal.

The defender has predominantly been linked with a move to West Brom while there has also been rumoured interest from Middlesbrough.

Now Liverpool have entered the reckoning with the Reds said to be ‘keeping tabs’ on the defender who is still being used as a first team regular by Whites head coach Garry Monk.

Monk is confident that Taylor will lot leave United before the end of the summer transfer window and United could simply continue to play Taylor and keep the left-back until his contract expires next summer.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly in talks with Argentine left-back Leonel Bontempo, who could become the Hillsborough club’s next summer signing.

Bontempo, 23, has spent the last three years with Buenos Aires side Quilmes Athletic Club but is now a free agent and on the hunt for a new club.

The Owls are said to view the defender as a suitable potential signing with the club on the hunt for a left-back.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Rotherham United are said to be keen on West Ham defender Reece Burke who the Millers want to take on loan.

Burke, 19, mainly plays at centre-back but can also operate as a right back.

The teenager spent last season at Bradford City.

Barnsley, meanwhile,face a desperate battle to keep hold of star defender Alfie Mawson with Sunderland and Wolves at the front of the queue to land his services.

Sunderland are thought to have already had one bid rejected.

Leeds, Bristol City and Newcastle have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old Tyke.

In the Premier, Hull City continue to be linked with a move for Aston Villa defender Micah Richards who is now also attracting the interest of Turkish Super League giants Trabzonspor.

City could also expect an imminent bid from Aston Villa for star striker striker Abel Hernandez.

Villa are reportedly ready to launch a big money bid to snap up the 26-year-old who was left out of the Hull squad that took on Exeter City on Tuesday in the EFL Cup.

The Tigers said his omission was to “protect a hernia injury” but Villa want Hernandez to partner new striker Ross McCormack up front.

In League Two, Doncaster Rovers chief Darren Ferguson has admitted he is short of defensive cover and could be set to raid the loan market.