West Bromwich Albion are reportedly in the driving seat to sign Kyle Bartley, but Leeds United and Garry Monk are keen to scupper the Baggies’ bid.
Bartley is reportedly keen to leave Swansea City this summer, and is set to have no shortage of offers, it seems. Despite enduring an injury-plagued season with the Swans, the former Arsenal trainee was superb the year before during a loan spell at Elland Road and it seems that a host of Championship clubs are keen to try and add him to their ranks this summer.
The Sun on Sunday adds that West Brom have few concerns about meeting the 27-year-old’s asking price due to parachute payments and player sales – they have already seen Jonny Evans move on following their relegation, and it would be a major surprise if he was the last key player to leave this summer.
It would be a major blow for Leeds to miss out on Bartley. His absence seemed to be a key reason why the defence looked nowhere near as solid last season as it had done the year before, and it seems to be one of the moves that would undoubtedly unite the large majority of the Elland Road faithful after a year of such mixed results when it comes to recruitment.
And with former boss Garry Monk now also keen to take him to Birmingham, it would perhaps become even sweeter for Leeds if they managed to win the race. Unfortunately for the Whites however, it appears that they have some serious ground to make up with West Brom the team set to hold talks with Bartley over a potential deal.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
