Leeds United are targeting a January move for ex-Celtic centre-back Darren O'Dea, according to the Daily Star on Sunday Newspaper.

The 27-year-old defender is currently a free agent having left his last club Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine, as a result of the conflict in the country.

The Irish defender has a wealth of Football League experience having had spells at Reading, Ipswich Town, and coincidentally, Leeds United.

O'Dea spent a period on loan at the Yorkshire club in the 2011/12 season, and he went on to make over 35 appearances for the club during his time there.

The Dublin born centre-back made over 50 appearances at his first club Celtic, but he has spent a large part of his career on loan at various clubs.

O'Dea signed for MLS side Toronto FC in 2012 and went on to amass over 25 appearances for the Canadian outfit, however he was released at the end of the season.

Leeds United currently lie in 15th position in the Sky Bet Championship table, having accumulated 23 points from 19 league games, in what has turned out to be a turbulent campaign off the field for the Yorkshire club, with owner Massimo Cellino sacking three managers this season.

A move for O'Dea would certainly add an element of experience to the Elland Road outfit's backline, in what is a very youthful looking side that manager Neil Redfearn has inherited.