New arrival Sol Bamba says it was "an easy decision" to join United after signing a loan deal from Palermo for the remainder of the season.

Bamba, a 30-year-old centre-back, became the club’s first incoming of the January transfer window and hopes to go straight into contention for Saturday’s Yorkshire derby with Huddersfield.

The former Leicester City defender, who started his career at PSG, completed the switch to Elland Road last Friday following speculation linking him with a return to English football.

Asked when he first heard that Leeds were keen to secure his services, Bamba replied: "It was two weeks ago.

"Palermo came to me and said that Leeds were interested.

"From that day I knew it would be an easy decision for me. I’m glad to be here.

"Everyone knows about the history of the club in English football.

"The most important thing for me is to play because I didn’t have that chance in Italy.

"So to be able to play for a big club like Leeds made it an easy decision for me."

After penning his deal on Friday, Bamba wasted no time in linking up with the United squad for first-team training and says his initial impressions have been very positive.

"I met with my team-mates, they were brilliant," said the defender.

"Everything is in place for me to try and help the team, try to do well and get up the table.

"It’s all good, I feel a positive attitude and a good spirit. Hopefully we will show that on Saturday.

"I’m very happy to be here. To feel the atmosphere in training and everything with my team-mates is like coming back home."

The addition of Bamba means Neil Redfearn has a number of options to choose from in defence and the Ivory Coast international already has his sights set on forcing a way into the side.

Asked about his style of play, Bamba replied: "I try to win as many challenges as possible. I’m aggressive and I hate to lose or concede goals.

"Hopefully I can bring that spirit and mentality to the team."