West Ham United have moved to hijack Everton's proposed deal for Leeds United defender Sam Byram, Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has confirmed.
Everton looked set to land Byram after reportedly agreeing a fee with Leeds and holding talks with Byram, but now West Ham have made an approach at the eleventh hour to snatch the 22-year-old from under the noses of Everton.
"I'm really sorry for Everton because they really acted like gentlemen, but Sam chose West Ham," Cellino is quoted as saying by the Guardian.
Byram is out of contract at Leeds at the end of the season and after rejecting their overtures to sign a new deal at Elland Road the club reluctantly decided to sell him rather than see him leave for free in the summer.
Byram was omitted from the Leeds squad for last weekend's defeat to Sheffield Wednesday as he looked to resolve his future.
Everton were confident of landing Byram, but sources say West Ham are now favourites for the talented youngster.
West Ham have been searching for a new right-back all summer, with central defender James Tomkins currently filling in at full-back, but it appears they are now set to land long-term target Byram.
Versatile performer Byram came through Leeds United's academy and has made over 140 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2012.