According to reports from The Daily Star this morning, Liverpool are closing in on an £8million deal for Leeds prodigy Sam Byram – who has often been compared to a young Gareth Bale.
The 21 year-old has already registered over 100 Championship appearances for the Elland Road outfit since his debut in 2012, and by the end of the 2012/13 campaign had already earned himself a host of awards, including; Supporters’ Club Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, Fans’ Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and the Goal of the Year for his effort against Oxford United.
The Gareth Bale comparison largely stems from Byram’s style of play, as a powerful, athletic and skillful wide-man equally adept at right-back, wing-back and right midfield – making him an ideal acquisition for Brendan Rodgers’ quirky 3-4-2-1 formation.
The Daily Star claim Leeds owner Massimo Cellino is prepared to negotiate on his £10million valuation and will likely accept Liverpool’s slightly lesser offer.
But Sunderland have been monitoring Byram for some time whilst Southampton launched an ill-fated £4.5million bid last summer, so the Anfield outfit are by no means unrivaled for his signature.