ROBERTO Martinez has confirmed that Everton have made an approach for Leeds defender Sam Byram – but said any potential deal is still a long way off.

The 22-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and it was reported yesterday that the Toffees have had a fee worth up to £5million accepted by the Elland Road side.

Byram is a long-term option which could provide a short-term fix with Seamus Coleman out injured but Martinez said: "There has been an approach. There is nothing else to comment on. You have to careful. From there to conclusive news is a long gap."

Coleman is expected to be out for another three weeks with a calf strain sustained in last week's Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Manchester City.

The Toffees are light when it comes to cover for him at right-back, with Tyias Browning ruled out for the season with a knee injury and veteran Tony Hibbert's fitness issues mean he has not played a match in 13 months.

John Stones filled the void in Wednesday's goalless draw at City, but ideally the Toffees want him operating in the centre of their defence.

When asked to discuss what qualities Byram has, Martinez said: "I wouldn't be that disrespectful to players registered to other clubs."