Palermo could outgun Leeds in race for Kyle Lafferty

The Whites expressed an interest in signing Lafferty prior to the loan deadline. The Northern Ireland international was also identified as a potential addition by Massimo Cellino in the summer, suggesting he is a long-term target that Leeds might return to in the January window.

Leeds head coach Steve Evans admitted in November that he had phoned Norwich City manager Alex Neil to ask about his availability.

He said: “Alex is a friend and when he gets a minute and a decision he will call me.

“Lafferty is a good player, but does it mean we can bring him to Elland Road and is he the first person we want in the door?

“They are all questions that will remain private but Kyle Lafferty is someone that needs to be playing first team football if he’s going to the Euros in the summer.”

However, any future move might prove difficult, with reports from Italy suggesting that the Serie A side have made contact over bringing the 28-year-old back to the Stadio Renzo Barbera. Lafferty spent the 2013/14 season in Sicily, scoring 11 times in 34 games.

Palermo and Norwich are thought to be working on a deal.