Newcastle United are stepping up their interest in Leeds United's versatile defender, Sam Byram, according to Clubcall. The Magpies have shown interest in the 21-year-old for the last two seasons and chief scout Graham Carr and Assistant Manager Ian Cathro were watching him this weekend as The Whites drew 1-1 with Burnley. Bizarrely, the player was reportedly offered a long-term contract by owner Massimo Cellino but the wages he proposed were less than what the defender was already being paid. Byram's his representatives havent entertained the thought of committing to such a long deal on worse teams. Everton, West Ham and Aston Villa have been tracking the right-back, who can also play in midfield, but now the Magpies are set to capitalise on the chaotic negotiations happening at Elland Road. Despite his youth, Byram has already made 120 appearances for his current club and made 39 appearances last season scoring three goals. The Leeds defender is a natural right-back but can play higher up the pitch on the right hand side of midfield. He would act as superb back-up for Darly Janmaat who is Newcastle's only real confident right-back. He currently has one year left on his current deal which has prompted the Yorkshire side to re-open contract talks with the youngster.
NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.
