With the £2m signing of Leicester's Chris Wood imminent, could the timing be linked to the sale if Sam Byram with pre-season opponents Everton hotly-tipped to lure Byram away from ER?
Leeds are expected to announce the capture of striker Chris Wood. The New Zealand international should put pen to paper on a four-year deal, Leeds apparently beating off stiff completion from Wolves amongst others for Wood's signature.
However is the timing perfect for Leeds PR machine? Particularly if Sam Byram is on his way out?
Byram, 21 is in the final year if his contract and although speculation around his future has been constant from ever since he emerged as a raw teenager three-years ago under Neil Warnock. However there is a growing feeling that Everton of all clubs will succeed where Southampton failed last year, the Saints having a £4.5m bid snubbed.
Everton of course are our pre-season opponents on August 1st so it will be interesting to see where Byram will be when "Yorkshire Day" comes around.
With just one year left on his deal, Leeds will be anxiously looking at the clock. After three-seasons playing for average Leeds teams it is understandable Byram may be getting itchy-feet and thinking now is the right time to move-on. His versatility on the right hand side of the pitch where he can play either right-back or wide-right is proven and Everton may be looking fir a replacement for Seamus Coleman who is reportedly close to joining our old friends at Manchester United.
I suppose if he is unwilling to commit to a new-deal then we still could get a decent fee? Sunderland have reportedly pursued Sam all summer but it was understood Leeds are hanging on for £8m.
Despite his many faults, Massimo is unlikely to let Byram or anyone leave cheaply as he proved last year with the crazy-money we got for Ross McCormack. Had previous-regimes still be in charge, Byram would have been promptly sold and we'd be left to admire some nice new cladding on the East Stand courtesy of his fee!
However it is always a sad-day when one of our own, homegrown Thorp Arch talents leaves and most fans will be sorry to see Byram leave. However if the offer is just too-good considering his precarious contract situation then we will have to bid him farewell.