New reports suggest that Leeds United will imminently be signing a player to replace Pontus Jansson.
When the Swedish international departed for Championship rivals Brentford, it was unknown whether the club would look to bring in a new centre-half, or use recently-signed Brighton loanee Ben White, Gaetano Berardi and Under-23s talent Pascal Struijk alongside Liam Cooper.
Danny Mills, via Football Insider , says that he’s been told by someone within the club that Leeds are chasing a new player.
The decision to sell Jansson, a mainstay and fan favourite of United’s backline for the past three years, has sent shockwaves around the club.
Mills, who made over 100 appearances over a five-year spell at Leeds, believes that his former club will be looking to plug the gap left by Jansson’s departure.
“I would definitely expect Leeds to bring in a new centre-back,” he told Football Insider. “I’m pretty sure the recruitment team is out there looking already and I’m convinced there will be a new signing in the offing fairly soon. That’s what I’ve been told by Leeds.”
He also elaborated on existing reports that Jansson’s departure was due to a breakdown in his relationship with Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa .
“Leeds have known this was coming and were trying to target a new centre-back,” Mills added.
Young Brighton defender White joined the club at the beginning of July, which - if reports are to be believed - was after the decision to let Jansson leave.
Many believed that Leeds were light at the back in terms of defensive cover last season. With White in and Jansson out, and Struijk seemingly being promoted in place of Aapo Halme, Leeds have as many options as last season.
It remains to be seen whether that will be that in terms of options at the back, but expect Leeds to be linked with a number of names over the coming weeks.
