Midfielder Bridcutt joins Leeds United on loan

Bridcutt joins the Whites until the start of January, and is Steve Evans’ first addition to the squad.

The Sunderland midfielder has extensive Championship experience after a four-year spell with Brighton, and also has 30 Premier League appearances to his name.

However, he is yet to play this term.

Late interest from Cardiff City threatened to scupper his switch to Elland Road, but Evans managed to get the deal over the line. Bridcutt credits the manager’s interest and the potential for first team football as reasons behind joining Leeds.

“This is a great opportunity for me to get some games,” he said.

“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.”

Bridcutt began his career at Chelsea before spending time on loan at Yeovil Town, Watford and Stockport County. A move to Brighton in 2010 gave him his first opportunity to establish himself at first team level. He went on to make 132 league appearances for the Seagulls.

Meanwhile, Will Buckley has been recalled from his loan spell by Sunderland.

He made four appearances for Leeds, with three of them coming as a substitute.