Report: West Ham To Sign Everton Target Sam Byram

London24Sport is reporting that West Ham are set to sign RB/RW Sam Byram on Tuesday. The 22-year old had been extensively linked with the Toffees throughout the January transfer window, with speculation that the deal could be closed as early as Sunday during his meeting with Everton.

The Hammers had been linked with Byram as well, but Everton's remained in the lead for Byram's services until today. Sky Sports reports that the Hammers matched Everton's £3.5 million pound transfer fee, leaving the decision down to the player himself. With Everton set at RB with Seamus Coleman, West Ham has also offered regular first team football for the player. Per Tony Barrett of the Times, that fact seems to be making the difference.

West Ham look set to win the battle to sign Sam Byram. The offer of regular first team football is swaying the deal their way.

— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) January 18, 2016

It also has to be noted that, despite their loss to Newcastle last week, West Ham sits 6th on the Premier League table and is in a genuine fight for a Europa League and perhaps even a Champions League place. They are currently six points ahead of 11th place Everton.

Byram, a product of the Leeds academy system, was set to see his contract expire at the end of June. He has scored three goals in 22 Championship appearances this campaign.

With Everton confirming that they will not get in a bidding war for Byram, it seems unlikely that Everton will get their man. The Toffees will still likely need to address defense depth some time in the transfer window, with right backs Seamus Coleman, Tyias Browning and Tony Hibbert all still out with injury.