Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock has reportedly set his sights on joining Leeds United in the Championship as opposed to staying in the Premier League with West Ham United.

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce revealed today that the club have missed out on signing the 31-year-old, who was offered a short-term deal until the end of the season with an option for a further year.

Despite receiving a lifeline from Upton Park, it is understood that Warnock has decided to move to Elland Road, according to Sky Sports News.

"Stephen we thought was a go-er but another club in the Championship made him a more long-term offer which I think he has accepted, so I think he has decided to take that so that," Allardyce said in a press conference. "A lot of hard work that went to waste again."

Warnock, who spent a period on loan at Bolton Wanderers, has not featured for Villa this season.