WEST HAM and Newcastle are trying to hijack Everton’s attempts to recruit Leeds United starlet Sam Byram.
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| West Ham and Newcastle want to pinch Sam Bryam from Everton after a fee was agreed with Leeds |
Roberto Martinez has had a bid accepted for the talented 22-year-old, who can operate in any position on the right, and has had permission to discuss personal terms.
The fee would start at round £3.7million and rise.
But West Ham and Newcastle are now seeking to lure Byram to the Premier League and will look to offer him a starting role.
"There is nothing concrete," said Martinez.
"It is still in the early stages and everything will develop over the next few days. It is looking more like Monday before anything else happens. We have a good relationship with Leeds and we will be allowed to speak to the player."
Asked whether there was interest from elsewhere, Martinez said: "I would say so, yes. He is a young man with a lot of experience of the Championship but his next step needs to be a good step for Sam and his family.
"It is not going to happen overnight. As a football club we've done everything we can do so far in registering our interest."
Leeds have been offered cash plus two unnamed players for Byram by the Hammers and Newcastle are also in the chase.
Byram told Leeds he would not sign a new deal and given that he is out of contract this summer, Leeds chairman Massimo Cellino has chosen to bank the bid rather than risking a tribunal setting a lower fee.
Byram has caught the eye this season where his versatility have seen him play in midfield, but both Premier League clubs regard him primarily as a right-back.
Leeds want to play Byram at Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow and Martinez said he would have no problem in that eventuality. "Absolutely," he added. "Sam is a Leeds United player. That is why I never agree with the window being open while teams have got important games. We will see what develops over the weekend."
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