Newcastle, Everton and Sunderland are among a clutch of clubs monitoring Leeds United right-back Sam Byram, according to The Guardian.
Byram has been a long-term target for the Magpies and they are now prepared to step up their efforts to land the 21-year-old this summer, following the exit of back up right-back Ryan Taylor (who is reportedly in talks with Bolton Wanderers and Standard Liege). As it stands, Dutch international Daryl Janmaat is the only right-back on the books.
Everton are the biggest threat to Newcastle’s chances of landing the Essex-born defender. The Toffees have reportedly identified Byram as their number one choice to replace Seamus Coleman, should he depart for Manchester United this window.
Byram recently distanced himself from rumours linking him with moves to the Premier League, insisting his future lies at Elland Road.
“I know these boys inside out and I believe in them,” Byram said. “They can play at the top level and this is an exciting time for the club. The most pleasing thing you can do is when you develop players and turn them into top class players and we like that idea here”
“I have just have to keep my feet on the ground and not get carried away,” he added. “We [Lewis Cook and Alex Mowett] have played with each other for the last three years and technically the likes of Lewis and Alex are very good.
“They work hard and we all just want to improve. We all want to play at the top but we’re looking forward to starting a fresh next season and hopefully getting the club promoted.”
