Leeds United have landed themselves in a bit of muck as Pontus Jansson’s exit is set to be confirmed in the next few hours and the bid is said to be around £5.5m. This update has been provided by Phil Hay, formerly of Yorkshire Evening Post. The team likely to sign him right now is Brentford, and it is the Bees who have made the £5.5m (Leeds Live) approach for the Swedish international.
It is yet not clear what really went down and why things escalated so quickly, but the Whites now need a replacement for the defender. The club might have already brought in Ben White from Brighton, but he is very inexperienced, and we don’t see him as a first-team option yet. So here are three replacements Bielsa can eye for Jansson.
Filip Benkovic
Leeds United should look to pull off a loan deal for this Croatian defender this summer. The 21-year-old has all the attributes which would be necessary for him to thrive as a defender in Biela’s system. Benkovic is exceptionally calm and composed on the ball, and he can initiate attacks from the back. Standing at 6ft4, he is reliable as anyone in the air, and he seems to have a mature head over his shoulder.
We think that he is Premier League quality and if Leicester decides to send him on loan like last season, then the Whites should definitely line up for the defender who even has Champions League experience under his belt.
Ciaran Clark
The Newcastle United defender has fallen down the pecking order, and we think that the Whites can prise him away in the transfer market. The Ireland international has the experience of playing in over 160 games in the Premier League, and that should come in handy for the Whites. Clark can be a versatile option as he can fill in as a left back or as a defensive midfielder as well when required.
Liam Moore
The Reading defender has been a standout player for his side in the last few seasons. Even though he is on a long term contract, the Whites should think about moving in for him with the cash they receive by selling Jansson.
Moore has all the defensive qualities to play for a top side like Leeds. The 26-year-old is currently in the prime of his career, and he can be a reliable replacement for the outgoing Jansson.
