MICHAEL Appleton has described Ryan Taylor as "a talent" after Oxford United were linked with a move for the Portsmouth striker.

The U's head coach, a former manager at Fratton Park, would not confirm or deny whether an approach had been made for the 26-year-old, who is out of contract this summer.

But the news came as no surprise to Appleton, with the club in the market for a striker this summer after a season of struggle in front of goal.

He said: "Ryan Taylor is a good player and is obviously out of contract, so I'm sure he's going to be one of the players who are going to be linked to us.

"I've gone on record as saying I want four strikers for next year.

"At the minute we've got three and one on loan, so Ryan will be one of many we will get linked to.

"He's a talent and is a good age."

Taylor is believed to be keen to stay at Fratton Park, but is out of contract this summer.

And with no talks due until Pompey find a replacement for manager Andy Awford, who left this week, there could be an opportunity for an interested club to swoop.

This morning The News in Portsmouth are reporting United have put in an offer to the forward.

Taylor has ten goals in 41 appearances for Pompey this season, but seven of those have come in the last 13 games, when he has hit a rich vein of form.