Exclusive: Future of key Leeds player up in the air after 'falling-out' with Bielsa

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

21 May 2019, 5:53 am

EXCLUSIVE By Harry Talbot

Pontus Jansson's future at Leeds United is up in the air amid a poor relationship with manager Marcelo Bielsa, Football Insider can reveal.

The giant centre-back cut a desolate figure at Elland Road in the wake of United's play-off heartache last Wednesday and headed back to his native Sweden soon afterwards.

Leeds are expected to sell a number of senior players this summer to raise funds to reshape a squad that finished third in the Championship but will extend their stay in the Football League to a 16th consecutive season.

Jansson, 28, is regarded as one of United's most valuable assets and was named in the PFA Championship team of the season along with fellow centre-back Liam Cooper.

"Jansson doesn't get on with Marcelo Bielsa, I know that for a fact, and that's been the case for some time after they had a falling-out," a Leeds source told Football Insider.

"I know he said Jansson has been the best player this season, but the two of them have not had a good relationship at all."

Bielsa claimed ahead of the semi-final second leg against Derby County that the defender "has been our best player in the Championship over the season".

Jansson, who was seen slumped next to the advertising boards following the 4-3 aggregate defeat to Frank Lampard's, played no part in either leg after picking up an ankle injury.

He joined Leeds initially on loan from Torino in 2016 before signing permanently a year later in a £3million deal.

In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED that Norwich City are preparing a "significant" bid for a Whites player.

Leeds United