Steve Evans hopeful of Sam Byram stay

Leeds United manager Steve Evans has revealed that he thinks Sam Byram is keen to stay at the club amid speculation over his future.

The 22-year-old is currently embroiled in ongoing contract negotiations with the club, while a number of Premier League teams, including Liverpool, are thought to be keeping tabs on him.

Byram has scored three goals in his last three games for Leeds, including a late equaliser to rescue a point from Nottingham Forest this evening, and Evans is hopeful that both parties can come to an agreement sooner rather than later.

"I think privately he would say that [he wants to stay] but I'm not one to talk about what he says privately," he told reporters.

"What I do know there's two parties that need to come together and do something in January because we want our good players."

Evans also told Sky Sports News: "He's back to the form of how he was long before I arrived. He's outstanding. Byram is a top player and that's why we are hoping he will still be at the football club."

Leeds, who have climbed into the top half following a five-match unbeaten streak, are back in action in just two days' time when they face league leaders Derby County at Elland Road.