Sam Byram on West Ham's radar for some time, reveals Slaven Bilic

Sam Byram, pictured during his last appearance for Leeds United at Ipswich Town. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

The 22-year-old was in talks with Everton, but opted to join the Hammers and trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Friday.

Bilic revealed other sides from the top flight were also keen on Byram.

“We have been tracking him for a long time and there was not only Everton interested in him, but a few other clubs, too”, said Bilic.

“According to the TV, he was quite close to signing for Everton, but we knew we had a good chance and we are delighted that he came to us.

“I told him that I like young players and I told him my opinion and which areas he can improve and he liked it.

“I didn’t promise him anything, but what he really liked is that we had been watching him for a really long time and he realised that we were serious and that we have big plans for him, but it is up to him to show us in training and in games his improvement.”

Bilic’s West Ham side entertain Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday evening.