Premier League club reignite pursuit of Leeds 26-year-old with Saturday mission – report
By Dominic Toner
Southampton are interested in signing Leeds ace Pontus Jansson, according to a report.
Football website Club Call claim that the Premier League side are long-term admires of the 26-year-old and were interested in him several years ago.
It is understood they are set to renew their interest in the defender as they look to replace Jose Fonte, who left for West Ham in the summer.
The report details that Southampton scouts were sent to watch Jansson in Leeds’ 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Jansson is currently on a season-long loan at Elland Road from Italian club Torino and has been a huge success in the Championship.
The centre-back has settled straight into Garry Monk’s starting line-up and become an instant fan favourite.
He committed his long-term future to Leeds in February as he signed a permanent deal keeping him at the club until 2020, which will come into effect at the end of the season.
Jansson has been one of the driving forces behind the Whites being serious play-off contenders and has chipped in with three goals in 27 appearances too.
Football Insider verdict:
Leeds fans will not be surprised that Jansson is attracting interest from the Premier League as he has been one of their standout performers this season. The centre-back already looks strong enough to compete in the top-flight in England and will hopefully get the chance to do that with the Whites. Monk’s side are most likely going to secure a play-off spot this campaign and will have to overcome a tense route to return to the Premier League. Jansson certainly has all tools to be there already and you feel he could be snapped up if Leeds can’t get promoted this season. However, the Sweden international has become a popular figure at the Yorkshire club and wears his heart on his sleeve. He has been taken in by the Leeds faithful and made a cult hero, something that he appears to be thriving on. His preferred scenario would most likely be playing in the Premier League next season, but as a Leeds player.
In other Leeds transfer news, the club are lining up a full-back after regular scouting trips.
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