West Ham beats Everton to signing of Leeds youngster Sam Byram

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West Ham has fought off competition from numerous clubs including Everton to secure the signing of Sam Byram from Leeds United.

(Courtesy: @whufc_official)

He signs for an undisclosed fee in a deal that ties him to West Ham until the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

The 22-year-old, who is adept at right-back and on the right of midfield, opted for London over Merseyside due to what he saw as more first-team opportunities under Slaven Bilic. Seamus Coleman looks an immovable force for Everton at full-back, and Massimo Cellino expressed sympathy to the Toffees two days ago, stating they "acted like gentleman" in their pursuit of Byram.

"I'm unbelievably proud and happy to join a Club as big as this. I'm just looking forward to what the future holds and hopefully I can achieve things with the team going forward," Byram told the West Ham website.

"It's a childhood dream of mine to play in the Premier League, so to have the chance to get into a team like this and I just want to get my head down, work hard and hopefully get a chance."

Byram was an integral part of Leeds' recent turnaround of fortunes under controversial gaffer Steve Evans and appeared in 24 league matches for the Yorkshire outfit before his move. As well as a greater chance of a regular starting berth at Upton Park, Byram is excited to link up with his new boss.

"I spoke to the manager and he is one of the main reasons which attracted me to West Ham. I think he's done unbelievably well with his team so far, so I'm really looking forward to working with him and his staff," Byram said.

Byram, who collected the Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, and Young Player of the Year awards in his debut 2012-13 season with Leeds, is expected to be named in the matchday squad for the visit of Manchester City on Saturday.