United striker Mike Grella has joined Carlisle United on loan.

The American marksman has joined the Cumbrians for an initial month and he will link up with fellow United team-mate Lubo Michalik at Brunton Park.

United manager Simon Grayson had said he was keen for the 23-year-old to take up a loan spell and is hoping Grella will get the opportunity to play regular football.

Grella has made just one league appearance this season, as a sub on the opening day, and hasn't stepped off the bench since the Carling Cup win against Lincoln at the start of August.

His Leeds career has yeilded five goals from 42 appearances, although 33 of those have come off the bench.

"This is an opportunity for Mike to play regular football because opportunities have been limited for him this season," said Grayson.

"Carlisle are doing well in League One so this is a chance for him to play some good games at a competitive level."

Fellow striker Davide Somma made a similar loan move last season when he stepped down a division to join Lincoln, and he netted nine goals in 14 games for the Imps.

Somma returned to Leeds during the summer and is currently the club's leading goalscorer with six to his name.