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Andrew Steel

Pontus Jansson opens up on the only way he will leave Leeds United

Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson says he fully intends to help them achieve their Premier League dream and he is "110 per cent" committed to the club.

The Sweden international has firmly established himself as a core member of the Whites since initially arriving from Torino on loan in 2016, signing a permanent deal the following year.

He was at the heart of United's charge for promotion for the Championship last season under Marcelo Bielsa, forming a cornerstone of the Argentine's defensive plans.

Pontus Jansson shouts for encouragement from the fans. Championship Play-off Second Leg - Leeds United v Derby County - Wednesday May 15th 2019 - Elland Road (Alex Dodd/CameraSport)

The 28-year-old has long professed his hopes to play in the top flight of English football and admitted United's near-miss in the play-offs hurt.

"It was a huge blow mentally," Jansson told Aftonbladet, having also missed part of the run-in through injury. "Everything went so fast. Ten great months were changed in one half of football."

However, with Bielsa confirmed to remain at Elland Road for another season, he has reaffirmed his commitment to the Whites and West Yorkshire in pursuit of their shared aspirations, despite speculation he could be sold this summer.

"I've always said that taking the step up to the Premier League is my dream and I want to do it with Leeds," he added. "It is up to Leeds if there is an interest in negotiating.

"Until then I am 110 per cent Leeds. I'll be there until the day they don't want me. I'll need a holiday and some beer, and then I'll be back to England to start again."

Pontus Jansson looks dejected after conceding the opening goal during the Championship match at Portman Road on Sunday, May 5, 2019 between Ipswich Town and Leeds United (Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

Jansson will be with the Sweden national team as they prepare for their European Championship qualifiers against Malta and Spain during the close season.

He is expected to subsequently link up with United for their pre-season trip to Australia.

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