Newcastle have no recognised cover for right-back Daryl Janmaat and more strength is needed on that side of the pitch. Leeds United's much lauded Englishman Sam Bryam seems to fit the bill having already appeared in over 100 games in the Championship at only 22-years-old and increasingly looking like a Premier League talent in the making. Playing with a similar philosophy to Janmaat, Byram is very much a forward-thinking defender and has racked up a considerable amount of goals and assists bombing down the touchline. Should Janmaat's performances attract a new suitor the way Mathieu Debuchy's did, Byram seems the obvious replacement and getting him to the club before a Janmaat exit seems wise. His ability to play higher up in midfield would bring a much needed added selection choice. United's scouts watched Byram in August and they would appear to be playing the waiting game on making a move at the opportune moment. That time could be January... his contract is due in the summer and Bryam's turned down all of his club's pleads to sign a new contract in favour of seeking a move to the Premier League, meaning Leeds could cash-in for a cut-price than risk losing him on a bosman. The situation is similar to when Newcastle poached Moussa Sissoko for a criminally low price three Januarys ago and The Magpies could again benefit from a cut-price steal for a talented player.
Matt Holmes is the co-founder of What Culture, formerly known as Obsessed With Film. He has been blogging about pop culture and entertainment since 2006 and has written over 10,000 articles.
