Daniel Farke responds when asked if Leeds will sign Sam Byram on a free transfer

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Daniel Farke has told the YEP following Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Monaco in York that Leeds United could sign Sam Byram on a free transfer – but reiterated the most-important thing for Byram is that his body is in the right condition.

Byram, 29, left Leeds back in January 2016 to join West Ham. But injuries have hampered the next seven and a half years of his career, playing just 98 times for the Hammers, Nottingham Forest during a loan, and Norwich City.

Farke worked alongside Byram at Norwich, and has invited the right-back to train with Leeds during pre-season. For Byram, he will be hoping he can prove his fitness and return to Leeds, earning a contract. Farke stayed tight lipped.

Byram was a surprise inclusion in our squad to face Monaco on Saturday, and he featured for the last 30 minutes. He came on at left-back, replacing Leo Hjelde and with the Whites needing a left-sided defender, he could be key.

Obviously, Byram is naturally a right-back but his versatility could aid Leeds. He played on the right of midfield at times during the latter stages of his Leeds spell. Asked if Leeds could sign Byram, Farke hinted at a possible move.

“Sam is obviously a top player once he’s fit and a top class character, a Leeds academy product, he’s homegrown which is also important for the Championship. He’s an experienced player, that’s what we need in a few positions.

“We definitely need some signings. But the most important topic for Sam is that his body is fit and ready to go. I was quite pleased with him in the final 30 minutes today. All other topics are decisions that will be made in a few weeks.”

Farke: Leeds could sign Byram but most-important thing is fitness

Byram is a no-brainer. Versatility, still in his twenties, plenty of experience in the Championship, knows Farke well and of course, is a homegrown Leeds player – aiding registration rules. On a free, he is a player that adds depth.

He is obviously not the long-term solution on the left of defence. He would be third-choice at right-back behind Luke Ayling and Cody Drameh. But he is a player that will fight for us. As long as, he has put injuries behind him.