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Revealed: The Premier League clubs chasing £8m Leeds United ace Sam Byram
SAM BYRAM is expected to leave Leeds United before the end of the transfer window.
Sam Byram is expected to leave Leeds United this month
The full-back, who can also play in midfield, is out of contract at the end of the season.
Leeds manager Steve Evans has already conceded that Byram is unlikely to be in a Whites shirt next term.
Evans says he will continue to select Byram but understands the player could be sold to the Premier League’s highest bidder at any time.
Here, Express Sport explore which teams could go in for the 22-year-old, and who is willing to pay Leeds’ £8million valuation.
Leicester City
The Daily Mirror claim title chasers Leicester are keen on adding Byram to their inspirational squad.
The Foxes came through a festive fixture list with just five points from a possible 12.
But they remain just two points off league leaders Arsenal and manager Claudio Ranieri is expected to boost his ranks before February.
Ranieri has already pushed through a deal to sign Birmingham’s Demarai Gray and Byram could follow - although a summer swoop may be more within the club’s budget.
Norwich City
The Canaries have a reputation of poaching Leeds’ brightest talents, with Robert Snodgrass, Jonny Howson, Luciano Becchio and Bradley Johnson all quitting Elland Road for Norfolk over the past few years.
Byram would fit well into Alex Neil’s side and he is well versed on keeping a club afloat after helping Leeds avoid relegation from the Championship last season.
Norwich have kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season but Neil would jump at the chance to sign Byram if Leeds dropped their valuation this winter.
Crystal Palace
The resurgence of Palace under manager Alan Pardew is expected to continue this month with the arrival of new players.
Palace lie seventh in the Premier League and are real contenders to earn a Europa League qualification spot at the end of the season.
Their frugal defence has shipped just 16 league goals this season and Byram may in fact struggle to get into Pardew’s back line, with a midfield place more likely for the Leeds academy product.
West Ham
Slaven Bilic has reportedly set aside £8m for Byram and the Hammers are favourites to sign the player.
Bilic is already looking to strengthen his team ahead of their first campaign in the Olympic Stadium next season.
West Ham won’t get relegated this year but the remit each summer is to avoid the drop. With defender James Collins, 32, knocking on a bit, Byram could be a competent addition to Bilic’s back line.
The others
Everton are keen to sign fresh faces this month and manager Roberto Martinez has a good track record of developing young talent.
John Stones has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in English football and Byram may be tempted to join Martinez at Goodison Park.
Both Watford and Newcastle are also said to be keeping tabs on Byram but have other priorities in the transfer window.