NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest transfer news from Elland Road.
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| Leeds are keen to keep Byram as they target Lafferty (left) and Crough (bottom right) this winter |
Steve Evans insists Lewis Cook will not be sold in the transfer window - but Sam Byram's future at Leeds United remains unclear.
Cook, 18, is subject to a reported £5million bid from Premier League side Bournemouth.
The midfielder is said to have caught the eye of Cherries manager Eddie Howe, who is keen on signing players in order to boost their survival chances.
Leeds owner Massimo Cellino yesterday explained that he didn't want to sell Cook and, ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third-round clash with Rotherham (3pm), manager Evans confirmed the club's resolution.
"There's no doubt there's very solid interest in Lewis Cook," Evans said.
"I had a strategy meeting with the president yesterday and Lewis Cook is simply not going anywhere. There is no more conversations to have about Lewis Cook.
"The president is in receipt of some offers, yes.
"He's always said to me that we get into real discussion if he has a view of accepting it and what we do with that money.
"But it was very clear when I sat down with him that he had no interest accepting either of them.
"Every player in the world is for sale. Some clubs may say they're not but they are.
"(Cook) is not going to be sold in this window."
Another Leeds academy product, Sam Byram, has also attracted the attention of Premier League scouts.
Byram, 22, has not signed a new Leeds contract and his current deal expires this summer.
The right-back is free to discuss pre-contract terms with other sides ahead of a free transfer, with Leeds getting compensation.
But the club believe they can cash in on Byram now and potentially earn around £8m for their ace, with Evans confirming a deal could be done but later in the transfer window.
"Again there is a lot of interest in Sam. He's in a slightly different position," Evans said.
"He's admired by some coaches in the league above and one or two of those coaches have had conversations with the president. But that's still a long way off from anything concrete from happening.
"As a head coach you're very fortunate to work with so many gifted players as we've got. Decisions on whether we sell a player lie at the door of the president.
"It's always been said to me that is has to be right for Leeds United if players are to be moved on and it has to be right for the player.
"We are a long way from anyone leaving the football club as we sit here now."
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| Northern Ireland's Kyle Lafferty (centre) needs games ahead of Euro 2016 |
Leeds have already extended the loan agreement of Liam Bridcutt this winter and are expected to sign a striker before the window closes.
Kyle Lafferty is Evans' top priority but the manager revealed negotiations with Norwich have stalled.
"I think it's no secret that, as has been said, we want it on a loan deal with the option of a permanent deal.
"Norwich respectfully say they want it to be permanent. We are not going to be doing it in a permanent basis initially.
"We want to, if it's possible, bring the player here but it's proving very difficult and if it proves not to be the case then we're not only thinking of Kyle Lafferty but there are other strikers we are talking to.
"There are other options and if that happens the Kyle Lafferty interest will suddenly drop off."
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| Peter Crouch has made just seven appearances for Stoke all season |
Evans has also enquired into the availability of Stoke City striker Peter Crouch, as well as Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.
The manager is keen to sign both men of loan but confirmed neither Premier League side are willing to offload their men.
"My understanding is that Peter Crouch is not available. I asked," Evans revealed.
"He's someone that many managers and coaches like but my understanding is he's not available."
On 20-year-old Grealish, the boss said: "Very similar to what we said about Crouch. I'm led to believe by Aston Villa that he's not (available) for loan."
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