Transfer window (January 30): Rotherham in the Hunt, Pearce seals Leeds exit

The 24-year-old full-back joins from the Premier League side on a deal until the end of the season to provide cover for injuries across the Millers defence.

Hunt will link up with another Palace loanee Zeki Fryers, who made the switch to the AESSEAL New York Stadium earlier this month.

Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn has revealed he wants to keep both Rudolph Austin at the club after Jason Pearce sealed a move to Championship rivals Wigan Athletic.

Redfearn, who has already seen Stephen Warnock leave for Derby this month, said: “Obviously, I want to try and keep our better players and for me these are the sort of players that are going to benefit us for years to come.

“We have got a young squad and the good seniors we need to keep. Rudy has been in the side and, for me, he is not for sale, at all costs.”

Pearce joined Wigan on Friday morning for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in the region of £300,000.

Leeds paid £500,000 for the 27-year-old when they signed him from Portsmouth in 2012 and Pearce was the leading appearance-maker in United’s squad having played 112 times.

He lost his place in the club’s starting line-up before Christmas, however, and was replaced as captain by Stephen Warnock.

The recent signing of Sol Bamba on loan from Italian side Palermo added further competition at centre-back and a deal to sell Pearce to Wigan was agreed in principle earlier this week.

Hull City and Aston Villa have reportedly made enquiries over the possibility of signing ex-Chelsea and Newcastle United striker Demba Ba.

The 29-year-old is currently at Turkish outfit Besiktas, having completed a move away from Stamford Bridge during the summer.

Goal-shy Villa are also eyeing a potential move for Ba ahead of Monday’s 11pm deadline, although putting together an attractive enough financial package is likely to be key regarding possible movement for Ba.

The Tigers are also been linked with striker Dame N’Doye from Lokomotiv Moscow - who is out of contract at the end of the season and available, with Hull eyeing a loan deal.

The 29-year-old, knocked out of the African Cup of Nations this week with Senegal, is keen on a move to the Premier League and the forward, an international team-mate of Mohamed Diame, is on the club’s radar.

The Tigers are also keen to land a domestic loan from the Premier League after a spot was vacated by Hatem Ben Arfa, with Steve Bruce having identified ex-Leeds United winger Aaron Lennon as an opinion on the wing.

But the Spurs player is interesting several rival top-flight clubs, including Everton and Stoke.

On the outgoing front, Bordeaux are being linked with a move for Tigers striker Yannick Sagbo.

Coventry City’s bid to keep Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Madine could be held up due to potential complications in the deal, according to Sky Blues chief executive Steve Waggott.

Payments required for Madine to be released from his contract and appearanace fee payments are reportedly two issues.

Waggott said: “Sheffield Wednesday have lots of strikers already and we know that Gary has enjoyed playing for us.

“He wants to play at the highest possible level and I think for Gary that is the Championship but he wants to stay here.

“Sheffield Wednesday have to resolve his current contract at the club because it is causing problems.

“Could we strike a deal? Hopefully, but at the moment there are four or five days to go and discussion are on-going so watch this space.”

Carlisle United manager Keith Curle has expressed his desire to extend young Owls defender Matt Young’s stay at Brunton Park.

The 21-year-old’s one-month loan with the Cumbrians expires on February 10.