Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom are all linked with the Barnsley captain – but Leeds United are in need of a new centre back.
Leeds will have to cope without Kyle Bartley
Whoever takes over from Garry Monk at Leeds United will know that strengthening his squad is a must if The Whites are to go one better in 2016/17 and qualify for the play-offs.
And, following the departure of Kyle Bartley after the expiration of his season-long loan from Swansea City, one of the Championship’s most formidable defensive partnerships has been broken up.
Therefore, with Liam Cooper lacking the reliability for a side chasing Premier League football, one of Leeds’ first tasks this summer should be to grant Pontus Jansson a new defensive companion.
Pontus Jansson
Consequently, it’s a surprise that Leeds have not yet been linked with Barnsley’s rock-at-the-back Marc Roberts. There’s no shortage of interest in the £5 million-rated 26-year-old with The Star claiming that West Brom and Championship rivals Aston Villa are keen.
Roberts was one of the most consistent defenders in the second tier last season, starting 40 times as newly promoted Barnsley finished a more than respectable 14th. And it’s been quite a rise for a player who was turning out for non-league Halifax Town just two years ago.
Marc Roberts of Barnsley
According to The Mirror, Birmingham City are the latest club to express an interest in the Barnsley captain – meaning Leeds should throw their hat into the ring sooner rather than later.
A number of Barnsley players have caught Leeds’ eye with the Daily Mail claiming that wing duo Ryan Kent and Marley Watkins were summer targets. However, Liverpool are keen to keep hold of the former after an impressive loan at Oakwell while the latter has recently signed for Norwich City.
Though that shouldn’t discourage Leeds from attempting to make it third time lucky.
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