Leeds United’s Pontus Jansson has responded to speculation surrounding interest from Southampton.
Pontus Jansson of Leeds United celebrates
Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has told Sydsvenskan in his native Sweden that it would be ‘foolish’ to think about leaving the club for a Premier League side.
The Whites swooped to land Jansson on loan from Torino back in August, with the giant centre back penning a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent move.
Swedish international Jansson has become something of a cult hero at Elland Road off the back of his outstanding performances and excellent rapport with the fans, prompting the club to activate a permanent deal in February.
Jansson will pen a three-year deal with Leeds at the end of the season, but that hasn’t prevented speculation surrounding his long-term future in West Yorkshire.
Not only did the Yorkshire Evening Post note in November that Watford have an interest in Jansson, but The Sun recently claimed that Southampton – who lost Jose Fonte in January and could lose Virgil van Dijk this summer – are also keen on the Swede.
Failure to win promotion to the Premier League this season may give those top flight clubs a chance of landing Jansson, with Leeds in a strong position to demand a huge fee for the centre back.
Pontus Jansson of Leeds United celebrates
Some fans are concerned about his future after he was strangely left out of the starting line-up against Brighton on Saturday afternoon, but Janssn has reiterated his commitment to Leeds today.
Speaking to Sydsvenskan in his native Sweden, Jansson stated that it would be ‘foolish’ to even think about leaving Leeds right now, and his focus is fully on Leeds despite alleged Premier League interest.
“It would be foolish to think of that now that I’m at Leeds, a huge football club that has not been in the Premier League for a long time,” said Jansson. “It would be foolish to focus on something else. I have had a good season and will take it as it comes, but right now my full focus is on Leeds,” he added.
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