Newcastle Transfers: 5 Championship Players To Target This Summer
4. Sam Byram
Adding a right-back to his squad will be high on the agenda for Pardew given the likelihood that he will lose Mathieu Debuchy in the summer and the Magpies boss could do worse than renewing his interest in Byram. The immensely talented 20-year-old is the latest star of Leeds fabled academy and had reportedly been a fixture on our scouting radar for the best part of two years. A speedy, energetic full-back who can also comfortably operate in midfield, versatility that is certain to appeal to the Magpies boss, Byram broke into the first-team picture at Elland Road last season and scooped the Leeds United Players' Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Fans Player of the Year after an impressive debut campaign. He looks destined for a future at the highest level of the game and has already been likened to Gareth Bale for his breathless, rampaging runs down down the right flank. A compliment, indeed. He is sure to attract plenty of suitors in the coming months, Manchester City are rumoured to be keeping tabs on him, and would cost in the region of £8 million to prise him away from the Yorkshire club. Although a steep sum for a Championship player, such is Byrams potential that recruiting him should be viewed as a long-term investment by Ashley given the young defender's resale value - a paramount feature of the players he wants the club to sign.
