Leeds United have confirmed that Liam Bridcutt has joined the club on an emergency loan deal from Sunderland.
The 26-year-old had been linked with numerous Championship sides, but the Whites have won the race to land the central midfielder until the start of January.
Bridcutt's days at the Stadium of Light have been numbered since Sam Allardyce was appointed last month, with the Black Cats boss openly admitting that he was willing to let the out-of-favour player move on.
It had been suggested that Cardiff City and Reading were also interested in taking the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion star on loan ahead of this evening's 5pm deadline, yet it is Steve Evans who pushed through the deal to mark his first signing as Leeds manager.
Speaking to United's official website, Bridcutt said: "This is a great opportunity for me to get some games. I've been speaking to the manager and he's given me a great opportunity to come and play for a brilliant club.
"It's been on and off for the last few weeks now. I've had a few other options, but from speaking to the manager he's given me the confidence to come here and show what I can do.
"When the manager shows so much interest in you and puts so much faith in you, you always want to repay that with your performances. That is one of the main reasons why I have come here. He's given me a good opportunity to come and play and hopefully I can do that."
Leeds have also confirmed that Will Buckley will return to parent club Sunderland after making just one start since joining on a temporary deal at the start of October.
Daniel Lewis
