Championship rivals Leeds United and Cardiff City reportedly face a race against time to land Liam Bridcutt on loan ahead of this evening's emergency deadline.

The out-of-favour Sunderland midfielder has been told that he can leave the Stadium of Light after struggling to make an impact this term.

Bridcutt has yet to feature for the Black Cats' senior squad this season, but he did play the full 120 minutes of the Under-21s' defeat to Liverpool on Sunday where Cardiff scouts were said to be watching on.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Bluebirds chiefs are now weighing up whether to make a last-minute move for the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder, who made 24 appearances for Sunderland in his maiden campaign in the North-East.

Leeds have also admitted in the past that Bridcutt is among their transfer targets, but an initial approach was thought to have been rejected earlier this month due to a breakdown in personal terms.

It is also suggested that Reading could make a surprise move for the midfielder ahead of Thursday's 5pm deadline.