CONNOR WICKHAM has been allowed to join Leeds United on loan until the end of the season after being told he will not figure in this weekend's Capital One Cup final for Sunderland.

The Black Cats striker has been back involved at the Stadium of Light in recent weeks after being recalled from his loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

There has also been interest in him from Middlesbrough but Leeds have struck a deal with Sunderland which will see him stay at Elland Road for the rest of the campaign.

Sunderland boss Gustavo Poyet already has Jozy Altidore, Ignacio Scocco, Fabio Borini and fit-again Steven Fletcher available for this Sunday's Wembley final with Manchester City.

And after informing Wickham he will not be involved, the 20-year-old has agreed to head out on loan again.

He scored eight goals in 11 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the season, including against Leeds in the Owls' 6-0 win.

Wickham's contract does not run out this summer so he is expected back to fight for his place again in the close-season, unless Poyet decides to act on a deal from interested clubs.