Everton scout £7m Leeds United player wanted by Liverpool

EVERTON sent their chief scout to watch Leeds United defender Sam Byram.

 

Sam Byram is a target for big clubs in the Premier League

 

Ian Atkins, head of player recruitment for the Toffees, was at Portman Road according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, to see the 22-year-old as they lost 2-1 to Ipswich Town.

Byram is out of contract in the summer and able to talk to other clubs over a pre-contract for next season.

Liverpool, West Ham United and Aston Villa have all been credited with interest in Byram.

 

Last month, The Sun claimed Jurgen Klopp is keen to maintain and add a British element in the squad.

Chairman Massimo Cellino is keen to avoid losing Byram on a free in the summer, even though they would be eligible for compensation through a tribunal due to his age.

Manager Steve Evans recently claimed Byram could cost as much as £7m in January.

 

He said: "The fans might not know this but if Sam doesn’t sign a contract then someone in the summer still has to pay about £2m for him. 

"It’s based on earnings over the last four years and Sam has earned a lot of money in that time. It is also based on appearances and potential.

"If you’re in the Premier League and thinking he’s going to cost £5m to £7m in January, do you wait until the summer when there’ll be an auction of three or four clubs looking to get him under the compensation scheme? You would go get him now, wouldn’t you?"