Everton 'agree £4m fee' to sign highly-rated Sam Byram from Leeds

The clubs are in advanced talks, and the transfer for the right-back could eventually rise to £5m

Sam Byram is set to join Everton from Leeds (Getty Images)

Everton are on the verge of completing the signing of Leeds United’s highly-rated right-back Sam Byram after the clubs agreed a £4m fee on Thursday.

Acording to Sky Sports, the Toffees are now in advanced talks with the player, and is thought that a deal that could eventually rise to £5m will be finalised before the weekend.

Byram had been linked with a host of Premier League clubs including Newcastle, Watford and West Ham, but he is understood to favour a move to Goodison Park due to Roberto Martinez’s willingness to nurture young players in his first team.

The 22-year-old is currently the second-longest serving Leeds player, but recently revealed that he was not willing to sign a new contract at Elland Road. Rather than relying on a tribunal to set a fee in the summer, owner Massimo Cellino has decided to cash in on one of the club's prize assets.

Byram plays mainly as an attacking full-back, although he has operated all along the right flank this season, scoring three goals in 24 appearances. His performances earned him the Championship’s Player of the Month award for December, and have helped the West Yorkshire outfit climb to 15th in the table.

The defender came through the Leeds United academy, making his debut for the Whites as an 18-year-old in 2012, and is thought to be the ideal cover - and future replacement - for Seamus Coleman by admirers at Everton.