Leeds United are still chasing Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt, who has been linked with Aston Villa, but his asking price is proving to be a problem for the Whites.

Sunderland loaned Bridcutt to Leeds last season and the midfielder established himself as a cool head and a calm presence in front of the club's back four.
 



He is out of favour at the Stadium of Light and it was suggested he was set to return to Leeds, but despite the Whites wanting to sign him permanently, nothing has happened yet.

The Premier League side have slapped a £1.5m asking price on Bridcutt's head, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, meaning Leeds have serious work to do to bring the figure down to a sum they consider acceptable.
 


Leeds had been hoping Sunderland would agree to release Bridcutt this summer, freeing him to return to Elland Road.

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But the Black Cats want to squeeze a seven-figure fee out of the former Brighton man, even though he only has a year left on his contract.

Bridcutt has also been linked with another Championship side in the shape of Aston Villa, who may be better placed financially to do a deal with Sunderland for the midfielder.