Algeria international Essaid Belkalem, who has been linked with Leeds United, is to sign for French Ligue 2 side Orleans.

The 27-year-old was released by Premier League side Watford earlier this summer and as a free agent is able to move outside the transfer window system.
 



Leeds are short in the centre-back department after agreeing to terminate the contract of club captain Sol Bamba, meaning they only have three recognised centre-backs for the lengthy Championship season.

And Belkalem will not be added to the group at Elland Road.
 


Indeed, according to the Gazette Fennec and La Republique du Centre, the Algeria star is heading to link up with Orleans.

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The former Watford man will sign a one-year contract, with an option for a further year if Orleans, who were promoted from the Championnat National last season, survive in Ligue 2.

Belkalem has never played his club football in France, having so far turned out in his native Algeria, Spain (with Granada), England (with Watford) and Turkey (with Trabzonspor).