---
title: "Everton target free to leave Leeds"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-target-free-leave-leeds/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Rhodri Cannon"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2016-01-08T13:21:49Z"
modified: "2016-01-08T13:36:34Z"
---

# Everton target free to leave Leeds

Everton target Sam Byram is set to leave Leeds United this month after chairman Massimo Cellino told [The Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-news-live-arsenal-prepare-7131397) he would be sold this month.

The eccentric Italian announced that the right-back is free to leave as he wants to leave the club and his contract expires in the summer.

With Byram refusing to sign a new deal, Leeds have been forced into putting the 22-year-old up for sale.

> We just want to sell Byram because he wants to leave.

> It is better to lose him now. It is less painful for the club.

![Martin Willetts/Getty Images Sport](https://freshpress-production.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/01/484220694.jpg)

Byram has been linked with a move to Merseyside for a while now as Roberto Martinez looks to give Seamus Coleman some cover and competition.

The Irishman suffered a knee injury in Everton’s League Cup semi-final first-leg win over Manchester City, and that may speed up a potential deal for Byram, who is highly regarded by many in England.

The Blues brought in a talented full-back from Elland Road a few years ago, Luke Garbutt made the switch from Yorkshire to Merseyside in 2009 and has made 12 appearances for the Toffeemen.