Ethan Ampadu and Connor Roberts react to the announcement from Leeds United on Friday

Despite Liam Cooper looking almost certain to leave, he remains in talks over a new deal alongside Jamie Shackleton, although neither have signed anything.

Cody Drameh has also been offered a new deal, although it is said that this was only done to ensure that they can receive compensation when they move to another club. He is still expected to leave.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, meanwhile, both Lewis Bate and Ian Poveda have been officially released despite impressive loan spells at MK Dons and Sheffield Wednesday respectively in the second half of the season.

Ampadu and Roberts react to Sam Byram’s announcement

It is expected to be a busy summer at Leeds and the announcement of the retained list is the first of many key decisions that will need to be made.

Full-back is certainly a position that will need to be strengthened in the coming weeks, with Connor Roberts returning to Burnley and the uncertain future of Junior Firpo.

However, one man whose future has been cleared is Sam Byram, who should give Leeds less of a headache when it comes to strengthening the right-back.

Byram was out of contract this month, but because of the number of appearances he made last season, it triggered a one-year extension.

Given the level of his performances after joining Leeds on a free, he was surely the most deserving of the first team out of contract of a new deal.

And after the news was announced, Byram shared her excitement on Instagram and how much she can’t wait to get back on track.

He said: “I am delighted to extend my stay here for another year. I can’t wait to fight for this team again to help the club get back to where we belong. See you all soon.”

Clearly, he is also a popular member of the club’s dressing room, with Ethan Ampadu and Roberts just a few of those who have responded to the news.

READ MORE: Crysencio Summerville finally breaks silence after Leeds play-off final defeat and drops potential future hint

Leeds must not let Byram’s extension get in the way of summer plans

Byram will surely prove a useful asset to the team again next season, but Leeds cannot afford to rely too much on him.

The 30-year-old has yet to miss a number of games due to injury and it will likely be the same story again, just based on how his career has gone in recent years.

With that in mind, Leeds still need to make sure they bring in new full-backs on both sides of the pitch and perhaps have Byram as third choice left and right.

That said, his extension is smart business and with experience leaving the dressing room this summer, his will come in handy.

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