Slaven Bilic: How I convinced Sam Byram to reject Everton for West Ham

SLAVEN BILIC has revealed how he convinced Sam Byram to join West Ham.

 

Sam Byram was impressed with West Ham's desire to sign him

 

The 22-year-old completed his move to Upton Park yesterday after the Hammers agreed a £3.7million fee with Leeds.

The highly-rated right-back, whose deal at Elland Road was set to expire in the summer, also received an offer from Premier League rivals Everton.

It was thought Bilic won the race for his services with the promise of first-team football.

 

But the Hammers boss insists Byram's decision was made up after learning of the east London club's determination to sign him and future plans.

“We were going under the radar and were thinking about Sam more for next season,” Bilic said.

“We have Carl Jenkinson on loan from Arsenal this season and other options in that position.

 

Slaven Bilic beat Roberto Martinez to the signing of Sam Byram

“It happened very quickly but we didn’t react on Everton - we been tracking him for a long time.

“I told Sam that I like young players, I told him that he can improve, I didn’t promise him anything, no guarantees.

“But he found out we were watching him for a long time and that we were serious about him and had big plans for him. We are delighted to have him.”