Torment as Taylor leaves Boro for Cardiff

Out-of-contract Taylor told SportMail that his decision to turn down a new deal at Boro was the “hardest decision” he has ever made.

The 24-year-old from Hartlepool, capped at every England youth level, has agreed terms with the Bluebirds and expects to finalise his move to the Cardiff City Stadium after having a medical on Monday.

Boro’s only consolation will be that they are entitled to a compensation fee from the Welsh club because Taylor is a home-grown player.

“It was my dream to play for Middlesbrough since I joined them when I was nine and it’s a hard thing to be leaving,” he said.

“I’ll miss it - I have a lot of friends here in the club.

“But at this point of my career it’s probably the time I should be moving on and experience something new in football and life.”