West Bromwich Albion are being linked with Kyle Bartley and Leeds United’s Pontus Jansson.
West Bromwich Albion are looking to rebuild following their relegation to the Championship, and they have already made one smart move by snapping up Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Now, the attention will turn to defence. Jonny Evans has moved on to Leicester City, Gareth McAuley has been released, Craig Dawson wants out and Ahmed Hegazi may yet return to the Premier League himself as a strong season.
New permanent boss Darren Moore will be looking for recruits at the back, and BBC Sport report that the Baggies are in talks about a deal for Swansea City’s Kyle Bartley.
Not only are West Brom targeting Bartley, but Expressen in Sweden claim that they have also expressed an interest in Leeds United’s Pontus Jansson, in a move which could be a dream for West Brom – but a nightmare for Leeds fans.
Bartley, 27, has proven himself as a solid Championship performer in the past, and whilst he would be a solid enough addition to Moore’s defence, reuniting him with Jansson would take the Baggies back line to another level.
Bartley and Jansson starred together in the heart of the Leeds defence during the 2016-17 season, and Leeds fans have been dreaming of the pair reuniting at Elland Road ever since Bartley returned to Swansea.
Now, with West Brom pushing to sign both players, their fears may be brought to life, as Bartley and Jansson could line up together for a Championship rival next season.
It seems unlikely that Leeds would give up Jansson without a fight, but West Brom seemingly saw how well he and Bartley played together with the Whites and want to sign both of them to lead their defence – and snatch the dream of Leeds fans in the process.
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