Just How Good is Toon Target Ezekiel Fryers?

To do this, we must minimise the financial implications of an expansion by creating a team for the next generation right now. What I mean is that signing young players is a great way to ensure our long term future as a club is stabilised.

One of these young players who has burst onto the scene is Manchester United’s Ezekiel Fryers who has failed to agree an extension to his contract which expires next month.

The 19 year old, predominantly a left back but also capable of filling in at centre back, is clearly a bright talent who is making steady progress to potentially being good enough to play in the Premier League.

Fryers was part of the FA Youth Cup winners in 2011 alongside talented trio Morrison, Pogba and Keane. Sir Alex Ferguson obviously saw the youngster’s potential by granting him cameos in the Premier League and Champions League.

However, Fryers recently rejected the Red Devil’s offer of £1,500-a-week and so he is now seeking pastures new. Considering the defender looks set to leave Old Trafford on a free, it’s no surprise that Europa League rivals Tottenham currently seem to be the frontrunners.

If Fryers were to opt for a move to the North East, I can see him offering some depth in the defence, acting as an emergency back-up if any of our back four are unavailable.

However, the main attribute which Fryers can offer is promise. The left back is still developing as a footballer, and so there is a chance that we could nurture him into a first team regular. Considering he’d be free of charge and has seemingly low wage demands, I feel we should definitely snatch at the opportunity of signing him.

Current Ability: 2/5

Potential: 3.5/5

Likelihood of signing: 2/5 (could significantly increase if Spurs lose interest)

Transfer value: Free