Cellino confirms Leeds will sell Byram – but vows to keep Cook

Sam Byram: Poised to make Everton move

Sam Byram: Poised to make Everton move

Massimo Cellino has admitted Leeds hope to sell Sam Byram this month – but has promised fans he won’t cash in on Lewis Cook, who is wanted by Bournemouth.

The £5million-rated Cook is wanted by Bournemouth and Cellino, speaking to the Daily Mirror, claims the Premier League side are one of a number of clubs interested in their exciting England Under-19 midfielder. The likes of Newcastle, Stoke and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the player, who was the subject of our weekly Scout feature earlier this season.

Lewis Cook: Midfielder among players linked with Potters

Cellino insists he will not sell Cook during this transfer window and insists the Academy product is happy at Elland Road.

“We have clubs asking for him,” the Leeds chairman and owner told Mirror Sport.

“But he is happy in Leeds and that’s enough for us. We won’t sell him!”

Cellino says Leeds are looking to offload Byram because he is refusing to sign a new deal.

Byram’s current agreement ends in June and Cellino would rather get some money for him now rather than lose him on a Bosman in the summer. The player has been linked with Everton, Swansea and Sunderland, among others.

Norwich want to swap him for Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty, while West Ham are also keen and Cellino said: “We just want to sell Byram because he wants to leave.

“It is better to lose him now. It is less painful for the club.”