LEEDS United, who are hoping that January transfer-window deals will help them pull clear of the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone, have been linked with a loan move for Palermo's combative defensive midfielder Granddi N'Goyi.

The Whites are 20th in the Championship with just 24 points from as many games and manager Neil Redfearn is aware that he needs to add some steel to their central area for the rest of the season.

N'Goyi, a 26-year-old former France under-21 international, has failed to nail down a regular place with Italian side Palermo since signing from French club Troyes in August, making only five appearances, all as a substitute.

He started his career at giants Paris Saint Germain and spent six years at the club, making 17 appearances for the senior team.

After PSG, the midfielder had stints at Clermont Foot, Brest and Nantes before Troyes.

Redfearn has opted to use Tommaso Bianchi or Lewis Cook in the defensive midfield position this season.

But the addition of N'Goyi would certainly put their place under threat and he could be seen as a replacement for Jamaican international Rodolph Austin, who is attracting interest from fellow Championship clubs Millwall and Brighton.

Meanwhile, United are set to offer starlet Cook a new deal to fend off interest from Liverpool and other top-flight clubs.

Millwall – FA Cup replay opponents for Bradford City at Valley Parade next Wednesday – are believed to be in talks to sign former Leeds player Luke Varney.

The 32-year-old striker is with Blackburn Rovers but has found game-time hard, being behind the in-form Rudy Gestede and ex-Huddersfield hitman Jordan Rhodes in the pecking order.

Varney joined Rovers on a permanent deal from United in 2012 but has failed to score in 23 appearances for Gary Bowyer's side.

The experienced Varney started his career at non-League outfit Quorn before being spotted by Crewe Alexandra, where he linked up well with current Cardiff City striker Nicky Maynard.

After four years at the Alex, the Midlands-born forward was sold to Charlton for £2million in 2007 and has since played for Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth, as well as having a season in the Premier League with Blackpool in 2010-11.

Varney made 45 appearances for Leeds between 2012 to 2014, netting six goals.