Cardiff City could be set to snatch Andy O’Brien, whose spell at promotion rivals Leeds is due to expire after Tuesday night’s game – at Cardiff!

Leeds are keen to extend central defender O’Brien’s loan from Bolton or sign him permanently but the former Bantams player was reportedly seen in Cardiff yesterday.

United boss Simon Grayson said: “We would like to try and keep Andy for at least 93 days or until the end of the season on a more permanent basis.

“It will be down to Bolton what they want to do with him. We will have a conversation with Andy and Bolton over the next few days to see where we go with it.”

Meanwhile, 12-goal leading scorer Luciano Becchio returns to the Leeds starting line-up against Middlesbrough tomorrow (1pm).

Becchio began Tuesday’s game against Portsmouth on the bench after being injured in the 2-2 draw at Leicester but the Argentine replaced Billy Paynter after 65 minutes and he is now fully fit once more.

However, left back George McCartney, who has played in 17 consecutive games, is ruled out, as his 93 day loan from Sunderland has expired and the transfer window is not due to open until Monday.

Manager Simon Grayson could have McCartney back on loan in time for the visit to fellow promotion contenders Cardiff on Tuesday but in the meantime Andy Hughes is set to come in against Boro.

Although Grayson was pleased with the performances of Billy Paynter and Ross McCormack in the 3-3 draw against Portsmouth, Becchio remains the club’s first choice striker.

Grayson said: “Luciano has been playing with a lot of confidence. We didn’t play him against Portsmouth because he was a bit battered and bruised and expecting him to start twice in three days was a big ask.

“Billy and Ross produced some good link-up play which showed why we signed them in the summer, but Luciano has a lot of qualities. We have just given him a new contract and he is our top scorer. He is our number one striker at the moment.”

On the possibility of bringing McCartney back to Elland Road next week, Grayson said: “There is a possibility that he will be available for the Cardiff game if negotiations go well with Sunderland and George. I know he is happy and he has stated that he wants to come back, but there is quite a bit of work to be done.”

Although the training pitches at Thorp Arch are clear of snow, the ground is still bone hard, so the players have had to train indoors since Tuesday’s game.

Grayson explained that training at Elland Road was not an option as it would have done further damage to the pitch in between successive home games against Portsmouth and Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, Grayson has denied reports that winger Max Gradel is set to leave in exchange for Newcastle’s Leon Best. Gradel has scored five goals in four games and Grayson said: “Max is playing with a lot more consistency. Over the last few weeks he has been making the right decisions on when to cross the ball and when to shoot. His confidence has been helped by scoring goals too.

“He is an important part of our team and I don’t expect him to go anywhere. He is one of a number of players who are playing their best football of the season. Long may that continue.”