Recent Leeds target handed trial after being released by Premier League club - report

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Published on:

16 Aug 2016, 1:08 pm

By Tom Blackburn

Former Watford defender Joel Ekstrand is set to be offered a trial by Bristol City, according to a report.

Ekstrand was close to joining Leeds in July, having been released by Watford at the end of the season but a deal could not be agreed.

The Watford Observer claims that the 27-year-old central defender will be handed a trial at Ashton Gate in a bid to end his injury turmoil.

The Swedish defender experienced three years of Championship football at Vicarage Road and played a key role in Watford's promotion year during the 2014-15 season where he featured in 25 encounters for the club.

However, during the successful campaign Ekstrand suffered a cruciate ligament injury and did not feature for the club again before being released in the summer of 2016.

The 27-year-old defender was targeted by Leeds manager Garry Monk, who was looking to secure another defensive option for the forthcoming Championship campaign but he opted to sign Kyle Bartley instead.

Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay claimed the main stumbling block for Leeds was said to be the defender's history of injuries, with the club not willing to take the risk.

Would be surprised if Ekstrand to Leeds goes through. Too many worries about his injuries and people advising the club not to take the risk.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 11, 2016

The Yorkshire giants have an appalling start to their Championship season, losing their opening match 3-0 to QPR before Birmingham beat them 2-1 at Elland Road.

In other Leeds transfer news, the club are close to signing a three-times league winner.

Leeds United

Bristol City

Joel Ekstrand