Swansea City are keen to keep Leeds loanee Kyle Bartley.
Leeds’ Kyle Bartley
Swansea City have dealt Leeds United a blow by insisting they intend to keep hold of Kyle Bartley this summer.
Bartley has been on a season long loan at Elland Road this season and has been a regular, forging a terrific partnership alongside Pontus Jansson.
The duo helped the Whites put together a promotion push which just fell short after trailing off in the final month of the season.
Swansea City manager Paul Clement wants to work with Bartley
Now Swansea boss Paul Clement says he intends to keep hold of the centre-back.
He told a press conference reported by Wales Online: “
“He’s had a good season, we’ve spoken on the telephone and said well done.
“As far as I’m concerned he’s a Swansea player and he’s staying. He’s coming back here.”
Leeds’ Kyle Bartley heads at goal
Clement may simply be strengthening Swansea’ negotiating position, but defensively they have struggled all season and it makes little sense to easily discard a player who has played so well this past season.
The Swans could still be relegated to the Championship and if they do drop down, letting Bartley leave will make even less sense.
It is a body blow to Leeds United who had hoped to secure Bartley for next season. If Swansea are serious then it is time to start planning for alternatives.
Here is a look at how fans reacted on Twitter to Clement’s comments…
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