Leeds United star Byram completes Hammers move

The clubs agreed a £3.7 million fee earlier this week and after undergoing a medical and agreeing personal terms the 22-year-old right-back or midfielder has now finalised his transfer.

Byram, who made 143 appearances for Leeds and scored 10 goals, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Upton Park.

A Leeds United statement read: “Sam leaves with the club’s best wishes and appreciation of his efforts during his time at Leeds United.”

Byram told West Ham’s official website: “I’m unbelievably proud and happy to join a club as big as this. I’m just looking forward to what the future holds and hopefully I can achieve things with the team going forward.

“It’s a childhood dream of mine to play in the Premier League so to have the chance to get into a team like this and I just want to get my head down, work hard and hopefully get a chance.

“I spoke to the manager and he is one of the main reasons which attracted me to West Ham. I think he’s done unbelievably well with his team so far so I’m really looking forward to working with him and his staff.”

Leeds, meanwhile, without Byram, will travel to Bolton Wanderers in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday, January 30 (3pm kick-off).

The tie was set up after Bolton edged past non-league outfit Eastleigh with a 3-2 third round replay win last night.

United’s home fixture with Middlesbrough has been selected for broadcast by Sky Sports and will now take place on Monday, February 15, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

The Elland Road clash was originally set for Saturday, February 13 at 3pm kick-off and becomes yet another rearranged game due to Sky’s interest in Leeds to boost their viewing figures at the expense of fans who will now find it much harder to get to the match.