Sam Byram turns down Leeds United contract offer

As we first reported in September, and then again last month, it's looking increasingly likely that Everton are going to be in the running for Leeds United defender Sam Byram.

The youngster was linked with a move to Goodison Park among numerous other destinations all through the summer. Now the Yorkshire Evening Post are reporting that the player has rejected the Championship club's contract offer.

A former England Under-21 international, Byram turned down Leeds' proposal, which would have seen the 22-year-old tied down for at least another year but on his current £12,000-a-week salary.

With Byram's current deal expiring at the end of the 2015-16 season, the Whites will look to sell the player and recoup any losses during the January transfer window. The club are not expected to make him another offer.

Byram plays as a hybrid wingback-rightback much like Seamus Coleman. With Tyias Browning facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after having surgery, the Blues find themselves with scant cover behind Coleman and having a player of Byram's pedigree will benefit Roberto Martinez's system.

Expect to hear more about the lad in the upcoming weeks before the transfer window opens.