Manager confirms interest in striking up deal for Newcastle forward

By Danny Wright

Bradford City manager Stuart McCall has confirmed that he would like to strike up a fresh agreement with Newcastle United about keeping Alex Gilliead until the end of the campaign.

Gilliead, 21, joined the League One side on a half-season long deal in the summer, meaning that he is due to return to St. James' Park when the transfer window re-opens in January.

However Valley Parade boss McCall has made it clear that he wants to extend Gilliead's stay in Yorkshire after the young forward became a key part of the Bradford first-team.

When asked by the Telegraph and Argus about extending Gilliead's stay with the Bantams, McCall said: "It is something we would look to do with Gilly. He's become an important part of the team."

Gilliead has made 16 appearances across all competitions since joining Braford this season and although he is yet to score a goal or supply an assist, he has been in great form on the right wing.

The young wide-forward originally joined the League One side last season in January and impressed McCall enough to want to strike up a second loan deal in the summer.

Gilliead is yet to make a senior appearance for Newcastle but has been playing regular in their development sides in recent seasons.

That form has seen him shipped out on loan a few times with Carlisle and Luton also snapping up the winger on temporary deals in his short career.

In other Newcastle United news, Magpies fans reacted brilliantly on Twitter after Simon Grayson was sacked by Sunderland.

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