Leeds United transfer news: Steve Evans confident of making new signing after Sam Byram sale

Leeds United manager Steve Evans says players are actively interested in moving to Elland Road during the January transfer window – however the boss is unable to give any guarantees over the future of his current crop young players. Sam Byram has joined West Ham United to become the first exit in the window, but fears are rife he could be joined by others leaving the club.

Lewis Cook has been linked with a move away from West Yorkshire this month, and while owner Massimo Cellino insists the midfielder is not for sale, Evans is not completely convinced the player will end the window as a White. Evans, who has previously suggested the club have received £30m worth of bids for players, admits that every player has his price.

"The owner gets criticised from afar for believing in the football club," he told Talksport. "You'll realise in the next month or two, externally to us, the job he has done to reduce the running costs of the football club in a way that makes it an example of how to run your business. We have lots of good young players here and have intentions to keep him here and build a side with them in it, in and around it and if we can do that we will be pleased.

"I can give them [the fans] every assurance as much as any head coach or manager can. I don't get involved in the financial aspects at Leeds United; I didn't at Rotherham United. What I do always know is every football player in the world from [Cristiano] Ronaldo to [Gareth] Bale has a price.

"It would probably take a lot of diamonds and a lot gold to move any of the other youngsters out of here because and it is certainly the intention of the president and myself to be building with them and we want to build with youngsters who have grown up in the stands watching Leeds United and who have got [the club] running right through the middle of them and that certainly helps."

Evans has brought stability to Leeds since replacing Uwe Rosler in October with the club currently 17<sup>th in the Championship, eight points above the relegation zone. The Leeds chief says the club are actively looking to add to their squad ahead of next season and has expressed his delight in their main targets showing a desire to join.

"We have been trying to spend money if Sam Byram was leaving or not," he added. "All we can do is try and go about our business. It is really great that players we're being linked with and who we are actively pursuing are trying to get in the door now.

"That is a good thing and that means we are managing to keep our business internally. What you do learn about Leeds United is the media runs riot with speculation. Agents do a wonderful job and if I was an agent I'd be linking my player to Leeds United as well."