Last Updated: Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:06
Leeds have won the race to sign defender Stephen Warnock on a permanent basis from Aston Villa.
The 31-year-old former Liverpool full-back, also wanted by West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, passed a medical at Thorp Arch on Thursday afternoon and is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's home clash with Cardiff.
"I'm absolutely delighted again," said Leeds manager Neil Warnock, who earlier in the day completed a swap deal that saw Steve Morison arrive from Norwich with Luciano Becchio heading in the opposite direction.
Warnock added on the club's official website: "Stephen has the experience I think we need in that position.
"He's a former international who, for whatever reason, has been allowed to leave Aston Villa.
"He's a player I've tried to sign a few times before and I'm pleased he turned down West Ham to come here."
It is understood West Ham were not prepared to offer Warnock a long-term deal.
Warnock, born in Ormskirk, started his career at Liverpool before Blackburn paid £1.5million for him in January 2007. He joined Villa two years later and made 104 appearances for the Midlands club.
He made 15 appearances for Bolton during a three-month loan spell earlier in the season.
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
