Bradford and Barnsley in fight to sign Gilliead
NEWCASTLE United have been approached by Bradford City to sign promising youngster Alex Gilliead, writes LEE RYDER.
The England Under-20 international is now also wanted by Sky Bet Championship outfit Barnsley.
United have Gilliead on a deal until 2018, but his appearances during loan stints at Luton Town and Bradford have caught the attention this term as the Academy product starts to show his potential. pointed with his form at the turn of the year and said in January: “I am pleased with how I started, I felt fresh and sharp. “The last few games I have not been at the races, to be honest with you. “I would say I have had a little bit of a dip in form and have not been at the levels I want to be at. “I continue to work hard and hopefully I can get back or can still improve. “I am still learning different movements and new things under the manager.” That was before the 4-0 game against Rotherham on a day he scored twice, with three more goals and an assist coming after that. After being omitted by Strachan, Ritchie goes into the last eight games feeling refreshed and ready for the task in hand. There is every chance Ritchie’s name will be chanted “all night” if the Magpies win the title – just like the terrace ditty that supporters devised within weeks of him arriving at Newcastle.
The 21-year-old is on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, but the Bantams are keen to make his loan deal permanent.
After making 21 appearances and scoring twice for Luton, the forward quickly progressed from the EFL’s basement division to League One with Bradford.
But after just eight games Gilliead picked up his muscle injury during a win at Coventry City.
With Gilliead on the mend, the Bantams will look to make the deal permanent – but they face competition from the Tykes.
However, United will be looking for a cash fee for the 6ft forward as they see the Shotley Bridge lad as a hot prospect for the future.
It is also believed Bradford are keen to host a pre-season friendly at Valley Parade this pre-season. With Newcastle currently focused on promotion, though, no decision has been made on friendly fixtures.