Liam Bridcutt says he is keen to extend his loan deal from Sunderland until the end of the season.

The midfielder’s initial emergency loan period expired following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to MK Dons, but he and the club are now hopeful of increasing his United stay after making a big impact since his arrival at the end of November.

Bridcutt has played an integral part in the side’s recent upturn in form, helping United climb towards the top half of the table during a seven-game unbeaten run in his eight appearances for the club.

His performances have led to speculation linking the former Brighton man with moves to other Championship clubs, but Bridcutt has his sights set on remaining at Elland Road until the summer at least.

“Saturday was officially my last game but we’re in the middle of sorting it out now,” he said. “I’m hoping to extend it until the end of the season.

“I want to extend it and Leeds want me here. It’s just waiting on Sunderland now.

“For now, I think it would be an extension of the loan until the end of the season.

“But I’d be happy for a permanent move. I think it’s about time for me to move on from Sunderland now and I’m ready for a new challenge.

“Game time is the most important thing for me. The manager has been brilliant with me, he’s given me a great opportunity to come here and play.

“I’m happy and you can see in the way that I’m playing that I’m back to my normal self.

“The manager has shown me some great respect and he’s given me some great opportunities to come in and do what I love doing.”

Speaking after Saturday’s draw with MK Dons, Bridcutt admitted United weren’t at their best and were unable to match the performance levels shown in recent weeks.

“We’re setting our standards so high now – we’ve been unbelievable at times in the last few weeks – but we weren’t really at it on Saturday,” he said.

“We’ve had such a good run where we were probably due a game where we weren’t quite at the races.

“It’s now about building on it and getting back to winning ways.

“I think we’re just lacking a few goals at the minute, but in all fairness to the strikers they have been in form and we’ve been creating opportunities.

“I think once we start firing again and scoring, we’ll start winning games.”