Leeds United owner, Massimo Cellino, has revealed that the Whites' highly-sought after right-sided player, Sam Byram, has rejected a contract offer from the Yorkshire club.

Could Sam Byram be moving to West Ham this month?

22-year-old Byram has a year remaining on his current contract, which will expire in the summer of 2016, and Cellino has expressed his disappointment at the youth academy graduates' decision.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Cellino said: "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. I can't believe that we've fallen out with it. I am so hurt inside that if he comes asking for a contract I would prefer to sign someone else. There is already a list and there is already maybe something better than him."

Byram has attracted the interest of various Premier League clubs since breaking into the Leeds United first team.

His performances have made him a fan-favourite at Elland Road and with 114 appearances for the Whites, Byram is extremely experienced for a player of his age.

Speaking of his personal relationship with the player, Cellino stated: "I need to fall in love with my players. They are like my kids and I don't want to let them go. Byram is one of those, but we don't get on with the agent."

This latest story is likely to start a bidding war between Byram's Premier League admirers, and the versatile 22-year-old could well be heading out of Elland Road in January.

Leeds United are currently 10th in the Sky Bet Championship after their 2-1 win at Stadium:MK last Saturday, but face a difficult fixture away at second placed Middlesbrough this weekend, who have won their last four league games.

Whether this latest revelation will have an impact on Byram's first team football opportunities remains to be seen.

Leeds United fans...... What do you make of this news? are you gutted about it all? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!