STEVE EVANS expects Sam Byram to commit himself to Leeds United's cause until owner Massimo Cellino decides to sell the youngster.
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| Sam Byram has refused to sign a new contract at Leeds United |
Byram, 22, is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to discuss terms with other clubs.
Leeds are considering selling their full-back, who can also play in midfield, this January.
Because he is under 24 years old the club can expect a compensation pay-out in the summer should he leave on a free transfer then.
And Evans explained that Byram will remain in his first XI plans until he is told otherwise.
"Until Massimo Cellino phones me up and tells me that Sam is being sold, I’ll continue to pick him,” Evans said ahead of Leeds' Championship clash with MK Dons tomorrow.
“I’m quite relaxed about the situation.
“The reason I’m picking him is nothing to do with his contract or anything else. It’s down to his form.
“The reason he didn’t play for a few weeks a while back was because I wasn’t seeing the performances in training I needed to see from him.
“But he’s worked his game up and he’s a fantastic professional.
"I take a lot of interest in the Prozone stats and in two of the last three games he’s covered more distance than any other player by a quite distance. His attitude’s spot on and he’s been big for us.”
Byram scored Leeds' leveller in Monday's 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest and played the majority of the Whites' 2-2 result with Derby two days later.
A host of Premier League clubs, including Everton and Liverpool, are said to be keen on signing him.
The Daily Telegraph today claimed West Ham were ready to muscle in on interest from Merseyside and secure a deal before the winter transfer window closes.
It is thought the Hammers have raised most of the cash needed to land Byram by offloading Matt Jarvis on Norwich for £5million.
Leeds value Byram at an estimated £8m but can expect a smaller sum from a compensation settlement should they lose him at the end of the season.
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