We were also interested in Paul Taylor confesses Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray

Middlesbrough v Ipswich: Tony Mowbray has revealed how close Paul Taylor came to playing AGAINST Ipswich Town tomorrow afternoon.

The Blues’ newest signing joined Ipswich from Peterborough on the penultimate day of the transfer window for �1.5 million.

But big admirer Mowbray has admitted he toyed with the idea of making his own bid for the 25-year-old striker.

In what would have been the third time the clubs have clashed this summer, following Middlesbrough’s capture of Grant Leadbitter and George Friend, the former Ipswich play-off hero said: “Paul Taylor is a very talented young boy. He’s a player we thought long and hard about and maybe if there had been an exit from our club Paul might have been playing in a red shirt.

“Paul Taylor was on our radar, he was on a lot of clubs’ radars, he’s a talented boy. Ipswich managed to get the deal done. It won’t have been a cheap deal but quality costs and he’s one we’ll need to keep an eye on this weekend.”

Jewell was yesterday equally praising of Taylor, who impressed on his debut against Huddersfield two weeks ago.

He said: “He did play well and I think there’s a lot more to come from him. He’s looked really sharp in training and we’re really pleased with him.

“He gives us a different string to our bow. He can run with the ball, he’s got pace and he’s really, really enjoying himself.”