Transfer Centre

Massimo Cellino: 'Sam Byram turned down new Leeds United deal'

By Steven Toplis, Reporter
Published: 22 September 2015 3:58 PM

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino reveals that he has been left "deeply offended" after Sam Byram turned down a new contract with the club.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has stated that he feels "deeply offended" after Sam Byram turned down a new contract with the club.

The 22-year-old defender has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Everton and Swansea City, after establishing himself as a key player for the Whites.

Byram's current deal at Elland Road expires in 2016 and he has rejected several offers of an extension, according to Cellino.

"Sam Byram is the only one that maybe thinks Leeds is too small for him," Cellino told Sky Sports News.

"He maybe thinks he deserves to be in a bigger team and a bigger club, and maybe he's right. But when I hear that a player from Leeds, with his agent, that he thinks that Leeds is not big enough for him, that he wants something bigger, I felt really embarrassed.

"He didn't sign the new contract and he won't sign it anymore. He's been offered a contract a few times, he didn't want to sign and I am deeply offended."

Byram has scored five goals in 128 appearances for Leeds.