Liam Bridcutt has revealed that he would be "happy" to join Leeds United on a permanent basis.

The midfielder is due to return to his parent club Sunderland later this week, having spent the last six weeks on loan at Elland Road.

However, the 26-year-old has admitted that the time is right for him to depart the Stadium of Light, with Leeds his preferred destination.

"I want to extend it and Leeds want me here. It's just waiting on Sunderland now. For now, I think it would be an extension of the loan until the end of the season," he told the Championship side's official website.

"But I'd be happy for a permanent move. I think it's about time for me to move on from Sunderland now and I'm ready for a new challenge."

Bridcutt joined the Black Cats from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2014.