Leeds’ need to strengthen defence should inspire Kyle Bartley loan bid in January

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Kyle Bartley enjoyed an extremely successful loan spell with Leeds United last season.

When The Sun reported back in August that Kyle Bartley had signed a new four-year deal with Swansea, it had appeared that any association between Leeds and the defender had reached a definitive conclusion despite their interest in bringing the former Arsenal trainee back to Elland Road.

Bartley spent last season on loan with the Whites and was a fantastic leader and key player for Garry Monk’s men as they came desperately close to sealing a play-off spot.

His form in the Championship appeared to play a key role in persuading Paul Clement to give him a chance in the Swans first-team, and he celebrated his rise up the pecking order by signing a new long-term deal amid interest from Leeds.

But Bartley’s joy was short-lived as BBC Sport reported back in September that he was set to spend the next three months on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in a League Cup game.

So perhaps Thomas Christiansen should view Bartley’s situation as an opportunity to try their luck and make a fresh bid when the January transfer window opens.

With the centre-back on the sidelines for such a lengthy period of time, Swansea may perhaps be cautious about reintroducing him into the fold straight away and may prefer to see him build his fitness with some first-team football elsewhere.

Leeds meanwhile, appear to need Bartley’s organisation and leadership skills following their abject performance against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend where all three of the goals they conceded were preventable.

And it could be argued that Pontus Jansson has not quite been the same player since Bartley returned to his parent club as they struck up a fantastic partnership while they played alongside each other.

Swansea may be itching to get Bartley back in their side, but if they want to see him prove his fitness first then a loan move to Leeds is surely a brilliant option for all parties, and thus, the Whites simply have to make a bid when the winter window opens.