Martinez Confirms Approach For Byram

Published 15th Jan 2016

Roberto Martinez has confirmed that Everton have made an approach for Leeds defender Sam Byram.

The 22-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and it was reported on Thursday that the Toffees have had a fee worth up to £5million accepted.

Byram is a long-term option which could provide a short-term fix with Seamus Coleman out injured, but Martinez pointed out that any potential deal is still a long way off.

"There has been an approach. There is nothing else to comment on. You have to careful,'' he said. "From there to conclusive news is a long gap"

Coleman is expected to be out for another three weeks with a calf strain sustained in last week's Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Manchester City.

When asked about his qualities as a player - Martinez said: "I wouldn't be that disrespectful to players registered to other clubs"

The Blues boss also gave an update on a possible transfer for Steven Naismith - he's been linked recently with Norwich and Swansea

"It is in his (Naismith's) hands to a point. It has to be right for everyone. We are open to Naismith's situation,'' he added.

Listen to the thoughts of Roberto Martinez below