Sol Bamba: Leeds United sign Palermo defender on loan

Leeds' new loan signing Sol Bamba has won 44 caps for Ivory Coast

Championship strugglers Leeds United have signed Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba on loan from Italian Serie A side Palermo until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old started his career at Paris Saint-Germain, but failed to maintain a regular first-team place.

Bamba spent eight years in Britain with Dunfermline, Hibernian and Leicester before joining Trabzonspor in 2012.

He moved to Palermo in the summer, and becomes Leeds' ninth signing from Italy since Massimo Cellino bought the club.

"We know about Sol and what he can bring to the side. He can play both left and right side of the defence and he brings great experience that is key in the Championship," boss Neil Redfearn told the club website.

"Sol being with us brings competition for the two centre-back places. Competition keeps players on their toes, both in training and on a matchday."