Everton have bid accepted for Leeds' West Ham, Aston Villa, Watford and Newcastle target

EVERTON have had a bid accepted for Leeds United defender Sam Byram.

 

Sam Byram is closing in on a move to Everton

 

Roberto Martinez’s side have beaten off competition from the likes of West Ham, Aston Villa, Watford and Newcastle United to land Byram.

The fee would start at £3m and terms now need to be discussed with the player.

Byram told Leeds he would not sign a new deal.

 

And given that he is out of contract this summer, chairman Massimo Cellino has chosen to bank the bid rather than risking a tribunal setting a lower fee.

Byram, 22, has caught the eye this season in a right-sided role where his versatility means he can play as a full-back or in midfield.

West Ham and Villa offered deals of the same value, but Everton appeal to Byram given Roberto Martinez’s track record of developing young talent.

Everton have also signed Swiss U21 forward Shani Tarashaj, who has been loaned back to Grasshoppers.