Leeds close in on £3.6million signing of 25-year-old - reports

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Published on:

08 Nov 2016, 2:23 pm

By Alex Stevens

Leeds are closing in on the permanent signing of centre-back Pontus Jansson, according to a report.

The Yorkshire Evening Post claim the Championship club have an "option" to purchase the centre-back when he has played 20 matches for the club.

Janssen has made 12 appearances for Leeds since joining on a season-long loan from Italian side Torino in the summer, and is now just eight short of the mark.

Swedish outlet Skanesport reported last month that the fee Leeds are obliged to pay for the giant defender is set at £40million Swedish Krona, equivalent to £3.6million, and that £180,000 of that sum is due to Jansson's first club Malmo.

Jansson revealed at the weekend that he is keen to make his move to Elland Road permanent.

“Seriously, that’s the only thing that I want now," the 25-year-old said. "I want to be here and to make a permanent deal with Leeds.

“I’m still waiting for that so it’s up to the president (Leeds owner Massimo Cellino) to do it now. I’m really happy and I’m here to take Leeds to the Premier League or the play-offs.

“If other clubs are coming to watch me then of course I am happy for that but my focus is on Leeds.”

The Sweden international has made a huge impression during his short time at Elland Road.

Janssen was outstanding for Leeds before the international break and has been a key figure in the excellent run of results that has lifted them to sixth place in the Championship.

The defender joined Torino from Swedish side Malmo in the summer of 2014 on a free and still has two years left on his current contract with the Italian club.

Jansson made a name for himself in Sweden, where he starred in 89 fixtures and won three league titles as well as a domestic cup during his five-year stay.

In other Leeds transfer news, a 25-year-old has signed for the club after agreeing terms.

Leeds United

Pontus Jansson