HITC Sport understands the Newcastle United winger, currently impressing at Bradford City, is a target for Barnsley.
Alex Gilliead in action with Everton’s Tom Cleverley
Newcastle United winger Alex Gilliead has emerged as a summer transfer target for Championship side Barnsley, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Gilliead is currently on loan at Bradford City until the end of the season after joining the League One club during the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old made the move to Bradford after enjoying a successful spell on loan at League Two side Luton Town during the first half of this season.
Gilliead scored two goals in 21 games in all competitions for Luton and he has so far made eight appearances for Bradford as he looks to help them maintain their push for promotion to the Championship.
Alex Gilliead – Newcastle United
The England youth midfielder’s performances out on loan have not gone unnoticed by several clubs and Barnsley have been keeping close tabs on his progress as they plan ahead for next season.
Gilliead, who has come through the ranks at Newcastle, has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Magpies, but he is highly-rated within the corridors of power at St James’ Park.
However, Gilliead faces a real battle to break into Newcastle’s star-studded first-team and his opportunities will be even more limited if Newcastle win promotion back to the Premier League for next season.
Barnsley are now hoping to lure Gilliead away from Tyneside with the offer of regular first-team football to continue his development and with the player enterting the final year of his contract Newcastle could decide to cash-in on him this summer rather than risk allowing him to run down his contract.
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