According to reports on the South Coast, Portsmouth are eyeing a loan move for Newcastle United talent Dan Barlaser – but they face competition.
Portsmouth news claim that the 22-year-old is being monitored by Kenny Jackett this summer, but state that Championship duo Wigan and Preston are also interested in the midfielder.
Barlaser has been on the scene at U-23 level for several years and has just come off the back of a successful loan spell with League One side Accrington Stanley.
A move to Portsmouth would be a slight step up, giving him the chance to play with a promotion chasing side in the third tier, however I’d imagine the club would prefer to see how he’d fare in Championship.
After all, he’s 22 and, even though he is one of several U-23 players who’ve been offered a new deal this summer, he’s surely facing a potential make of break season as far as his future at St James’ Park is concerned.
He often stood out when I’ve been along to St James’ Park to watch the U-23’s in action over the past few years, showing an impressive range of passing and several nice touches, however you can’t help but feel he’ll have to start proving himself in the second tier if he’s going to be seriously considered at senior level at Newcastle.
With Shola Ameobi set to come in and become our new ‘loan manager’, let’s hope Dan secures the right loan move away this summer and comes back ready to fight for a first-team place.
