Pontus Jansson has quickly become a hero at Leeds United.
Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he’s happy if other teams are watching him, but signing for Leeds is the only thing he wants.
The Whites pulled off a superb 3-2 win away at Norwich City on Saturday afternoon, and Jansson scored his first Leeds goal to make it 1-1 at the time.
Jansson, 25, joined Leeds on a season-long loan deal from Serie A side Torino, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Torino boss Sinisa Mihajlovic.
Rajiv van La Parra of Huddersfield Town in action with Pontus Jansson of Leeds United
The old adage states that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and that has certainly been the case with Jansson, as whilst Torino may have no use for him, he’s become a cult hero at Leeds.
The 6ft 5in centre back has produced a number of dominant performances for Leeds, becoming one of the Championship’s top defenders whilst keeping his place in the Swedish national team squad.
Leeds’ Pontus Jansson celebrates scoring their first goal
It’s his rapport with the Leeds fans which has made him such a popular figure though, and supporters unsurprisingly want to see Jansson pen a permanent deal to stay at Elland Road – and Leeds will have the option to do so once he makes his 20th appearance.
Leeds can pay more than £3m to sign Jansson once that happens, but his performances are believed to be attracting interest, as the Yorkshire Evening Post claim that Premier League side Watford are keen on the giant Swede.
Blackburn’s Danny Graham in action with Leeds’ Pontus Jansson
Jansson has now been asked about rival interest, and whilst he says he is happy to be recognised, he only wans to sign for Leeds – and he is waiting for a permanent deal, leaving it up to owner Massimo Cellino to sort out.
“Seriously, that’s the only thing that I want now,” said Jansson when asked about a long-term deal with the club. “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 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,” he added.
How important is it that Leeds sign Jansson permanently?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
