Joel Ekstrand is reportedly closing in on a move to Leeds United.
Joel Ekstrand and Kike in action
According to Swedish TV station Fotbollskanalen, defender Joel Ekstrand has chosen to join Leeds United ahead of Bristol City and Reading.
Ekstrand, 27, came up through the ranks with Lunds BK and Helsingborgs, before Serie A side Udinese snapped him up in 2011 and gave him a chance to impress in Italy.
The Swedish centre back moved on to Udinese’s sister club Watford in 2012, initially on loan before making a permanent move in 2013, and he became a regular with the Hornets.
Ekstrand made a total of 100 appearances for the Hornets as he helped them reach the play-offs and eventually win promotion to the Premier League, but injuries curtailed his impact in the top flight as he missed the entire season before being released this summer.
Now a free agent, Ekstrand can move on and sign for whoever he wants, and Fotbollskanalen claim that Bristol City and Reading have been interested in signing him on a free transfer – but he has chosen a move to Leeds United instead.
It’s claimed that Ekstrand could be presented as a Leeds player early next week, with his deal to join the Whites just a few details away from being completed.
The former Sweden international will now compete with the likes of Sol Bamba, Kyle Bartley and Liam Cooper for a spot in Garry Monk’s defence, whilst he joins fellow Swede and new signing Marcus Antonsson in arriving at Elland Road.
A proven Championship defender looking to get over injury problems, Ekstrand looks to be a smart signing for Leeds on a free transfer, and his arrival could be announced in the coming days if the Swedish press are to be believed.
Do you think Ekstrand would be a good signing for Leeds?
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