Leeds United manager Steve Evans has admitted that he has enquired over the availability of Norwich City striker Kyle Lafferty.
The Northern Ireland international has struggled for playing time at Carrow Road this term, featuring just twice from the bench.
With Euro 2016 now on the horizon, a competition Lafferty helped his national side reach with seven goals in qualification, the 28-year-old admits that he may be forced to seek a move elsewhere.
Championship side Leeds were among those said to be interested in signing the former Rangers man, and Evans has now confirmed these rumours.
"I don't know Kyle Lafferty but I didn't like him when he played for Glasgow Rangers because he always gave Glasgow Celtic a problem," the Yorkshire Evening Post quotes him as saying. "And I didn't like him last season when he came on and changed the game against Rotherham.
"He's good friends with Stuart [Dallas], he's done absolutely terrifically well for Northern Ireland and I've placed a call into Alex Neil just to ask what the situation is. It was just a call to ask about the availability of one or two players that Alex has. And Alex Neil I know is like myself, he's a grafter.
"Alex is a friend and when he gets a minute and a decision he will call me. Lafferty is a good player but does it mean we can bring him to Elland Road and is he the first person we want in the door? They are all questions that will remain private but Kyle Lafferty is a lad that whatever happens and I am being totally neutral here as I have never spoken to the kid but he needs to be playing first team football if he's going to the Euros in the summer."
Evans also revealed that Leeds are still keen to sign Liam Bridcutt on loan from Sunderland, despite Cardiff City also reportedly showing an interest in the defensive midfielder.
