Leeds United boss confirms timeline for signings as Cellino reveals Byram is for sale

LEEDS UNITED will not sign anyone until next week, manager Steve Evans has confirmed, but they are ready to sell Sam Byram.

 

Sam Byram (left) could be set to leave Leeds as Steve Evans seeks new singings

 

The Whites are in discussions with a number of clubs regarding January transfer targets.

Norwich City's Kyle Lafferty appears to be Evans' top priority but the boss confirmed Leeds are struggling to agree terms with the Canaries.

Leeds have also made enquiries into Stoke striker Peter Crouch and Jack Grealish of Aston Villa.

But Evans says fans should not expect any arrivals until after the FA Cup third-round weekend.

 

"The difficulty we have is before the weekend, there are fringe players at the top of the Championship and in the Premier League, and I think we've seen a lot of Premier League managers this weekend saying they're going to be changing their teams," Evans said ahead of Leeds' home FA Cup clash with Rotherham (3pm Saturday).

"So some of the lads we are keen on bringing here are going to be involved this weekend so that stops anything happening before Saturday but things will start to progress from Sunday onwards very quickly."

Evans also revealed he has discussed January targets with club owner Massimo Cellino, but that the Elland Road outfit won't be held to ransom over transfer fees.

 

"You have to be patient and you have to get value for money.

"We've asked about some players who, because it's Leeds United picking up the phone, suddenly some other clubs think there's some extra cash there.

"But that's not going to be the case. We come up with our intended targets, discussed them and we attach to that what we believe is the value.

"At the minute they exceed those values and you have to be strong and walk away. This football club has been guilty like many others in the past of putting themselves in trouble.

"The one thing the president has done here is put some terrific prudence into the club. It's in great shape so we need to make sure that continues and at the same time balance it with players who will help us."

 

Meanwhile, Cellino has told the Daily Mirror that Byram's exit is expected.

Byram, 22, could leave on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires.

Leeds believe they can get around £8million for the ace and Cellino explained he is ready to cash in.

“We just want to sell Byram because he wants to leave," Cellino said.

“It is better to lose him now. It is less painful for the club.”