Leeds boss Steve Evans suggests interest in permanent Liam Bridcutt deal

Leeds head coach Steve Evans has suggested he wants to sign Sunderland loanee Liam Bridcutt on a permanent deal.

Midfielder Bridcutt, 26, joined on loan until the end of the season in November and has impressed in his 21 appearances for the Yorkshire club.

Bridcutt, who was signed for Sunderland by former manager Gus Poyet from Brighton, where they previously worked together, starred in Leeds' 2-1 win over Blackburn on Saturday.

Bridcutt is approaching the last year of his Sunderland contract and, when asked directly whether the would explore signing Bridcutt permanent in the summer, boss Evans said: "I think Liam's very aware of what I think of him.

"He's very aware of what this football club thinks of him and the one thing I'm very aware of is that Liam loves playing for Leeds United. He never hides that.

"Liam's a top-quality player, he leads by example in his determination to win a game."