Roberto Martinez confirms Everton approach for Leeds United's Sam Byram

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed that the club have made an approach to sign Sam Byram from Leeds United.

Reports last night claimed that Leeds had accepted a bid around the £4m mark for the 22-year-old, who the Whites are willing to sell this month to prevent him leaving for free when his contract expires in the summer.

When pressed on the possibility of making Byram his third signing of the January transfer window, Martinez confirmed his interest in the right-sider.

"There has been an approach," the Spaniard told reporters. "There is nothing else to comment on. You have to careful. From there to conclusive news is a long gap."

Byram was a right-back when he broke into the Leeds first team three-and-a-half years ago, but he has played in a more advanced wide role this season.

Everton have already signed Matthew Foulds and Shani Tarashaj this month.