Doncaster Rovers v Leeds United: Rosler reveals latest on wanted man Byram

HEAD coach Uwe Rosler insists “nothing has changed” regards the future of star winger Sam Byram who is thought to be in fresh contract talks amidst interest from Newcastle United and West Ham.
Uwe Rosler.Uwe Rosler.
Uwe Rosler.

Byram’s contract is up next summer and Newcastle sent assistant manager Ian Cathro and head scout Graham Carr to Elland Road to watch his performance in Saturday’s thrilling 1-1 draw with Burnley.

The Whites are thought to have consequently opened fresh discussions with Byram this week but Rosler strongly insisted he was unaware of any new developments.

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Furthermore, United’s head coach re-iterated he had already been assured by owner Massimo Cellino that the club would do everything in its power to ensure such talented youngsters were here to stay.

Asked to comment on the supposed renewed contract talks with Byram, Rosler said: “Can you tell me who the reports are. Who is that person who makes reports. Who is that? Tell me. I want to know who makes reports.

“You want to ask me what is on social media? I’m not a fan of social media, I don’t read social media.

“Nothing has changed.

“Yesterday I travelled back from (watching Bristol City at) Luton and had a long travel back and very much a chance to speak to our owner.

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“We talked for a long time and not once the name Sam Byram was mentioned.

“That tells me and indicates to me that nothing has changed since two months ago, since six weeks ago, since three days ago and that was what I am telling you.

“The chairman always gave me an indication - and I’ve said it now so many times - that he would try to keep this young group of players and build a future around them for this football club.

“That is Sam, and not only Sam but a number of players.

“What I really enjoy is that my position here now at Leeds is I am head coach and mu responsibility is not what it was at Wigan for example.

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“It’s not about speaking to agents and negotiating contracts - that is not my job anymore.

“My job is clear and simplified - with key members of staff and first team players and in Sam’s case I will be informed or asked when things and cases are prepared.

“I honestly don’t know if Adam Pearson has spoken to agent X, has Mr Cellino spoken to agent C? Honestly, I can’t answer that.

“From my point it’s clear, there’s always an indication to keep our young players.

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“Will we succeed, I don’t know and it’s difficult, especially in Sam’s case.

“But the chairman always indicated to me strongly that he wished to keep Sam Byram.”

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