Leeds United may face an uphill battle to keep hold of promising midfielder Sam Byram after Everton and Manchester City were both linked with summer bids for the talented youngster.

The 19-year-old made his first team debut in the League Cup against Shrewsbury last August but has quickly established himself and has enjoyed a hugely successful breakthrough season.

Sam Byram
Sam Byram has enjoyed an impressive debut season for Leeds United. [Reuters]

Despite Neil Warnock leaving the club after failing to guide Leeds to a place in the play-offs, he did hand an opportunity to Byram and the versatile youngster has repaid his faith by making more than 50 appearances in his debut season.

However, reports in The Sun suggest that his excellent displays have not gone unnoticed with Everton ready to offer as much as £10million in order to stave off competition from FA Cup finalists Manchester City.

Everton need to find a replacement for Phil Neville, who declared his intention to leave Goodison Park in the summer, and Byram's ability to play either at right-back or in midfield makes him the perfect candidate.

David Moyes may face stiff competition for Byram though as it is believed that City boss Roberto Mancini has already taken an interest as he believes he can be a star of the future.

Leeds manager Brian McDermott is also determined to hang on to a player who could possibly help Leeds push for promotion next season.

"Sam leaving is not something that has crossed my agenda. People can talk - for me the best place for Sam is Leeds - playing and doing well," said McDermott, as quoted in The Sun.

Leeds have often had to deal with their best young players being snapped up with the likes of Aaron Lennon, James Milner and Fabian Delph all leaving the club before their 20<sup>th birthday and should a significant offer arrive for the teenager then it would be extremely difficult for the clubs owners, GFH Capital, to turn down the bid.